Failure to Maintain Cleanliness of Tube Feeding Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to maintain the cleanliness of tube feeding equipment for a resident with a gastronomy tube. The resident, who had diagnoses including cerebral infarction, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, and dysphagia, was receiving continuous tube feeding as ordered by the physician. Observations on two consecutive days revealed tan, dried material present on the feeding pump, pump pole, floor beneath the feeding pole, bed rails, and a nearby nightstand. This debris remained in place throughout the day, despite staff being present in the resident's room multiple times. The facility's policy required non-disposable tube feeding equipment to be wiped down daily and as needed with an approved disinfectant to maintain cleanliness, with licensed staff responsible for this task. However, the observed failure to clean the equipment and surrounding area was confirmed by a registered nurse, who acknowledged that the debris should not have been present. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, interview, and record review.