Improper Labeling of Enteral Feeding Bag
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident receiving enteral (tube) feeding was observed with a feeding bag that was not properly labeled according to facility policy. The feeding bag was only labeled with the date and time it was started, but was missing the resident's name, formula name, rate of administration, and the nurse's initials. Interviews with the MDS/CP Coordinator and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility's policy requires the feeding bag to be labeled with the resident's name, formula, rate, start date and time, and the nurse's initials. Record review showed the resident had a gastrostomy tube due to dysphagia following a cerebral infarction and was receiving a prescribed enteral feeding regimen. The facility's policy and care plan also emphasized the importance of proper labeling to reduce infection risk and ensure correct administration, but this was not followed in the observed instance.