Failure to Label Enteral Feeding Bag and Tubing
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident receiving enteral tube feeding did not have their tube feeding bag and tubing labeled with the date and time it was put into use. During an observation, it was noted that the bag lacked a label indicating when the feeding was started, the resident's name, and the type of feeding solution. The licensed nurse present confirmed that the bag was not labeled and acknowledged that this information is necessary for staff to know when the feeding was started, what type of feeding it is, and when to change the bag. The resident involved had a history of cerebral infarction, end stage renal disease, and aphasia, and was receiving a prescribed enteral formula at a specific rate and schedule. The Assistant Director of Nursing stated that it was expected for licensed nurses to label enteral feeding bags with the date and time hung, check resident identifiers, and ensure the correct feeding rate. Facility policy also required that enteral feeding bags be labeled and changed every 24 hours. The lack of labeling was acknowledged as a failure to follow facility policy and procedure.