CNA Operates Tube Feeding Pump Outside Scope of Practice
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) placed a tube feeding pump on hold for a resident receiving enteral nutrition, prior to performing incontinence care and lowering the head of the bed. The resident had a gastrostomy, adult failure to thrive, dysphagia, and was dependent on tube feeding for the majority of her nutrition. The resident also had significant cognitive impairment, with both short and long term memory problems and severely impaired decision-making abilities. According to the Indiana State Department of Health Nurse Aide Curriculum, CNAs are not permitted to operate tube feeding pumps and must seek a nurse's assistance to turn off or resume the pump. The CNA's action of placing the pump on hold was observed during care, and a nurse later resumed the feeding after care was completed.