Failure to Label G-Tube Flush Bag for Resident Receiving Enteral Feeding
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a history of aphasia, dysphagia, and malnutrition, who was dependent on gastrostomy tube (g-tube) feeding, was observed to have a flush bag attached to their g-tube pump that was not labeled with the date, time, and nurse's initials. The resident's care plan specifically required that the formula container, syringe, and administration set be labeled with the resident's name, date, time, and nurse's initials. During observation and interview, both the treatment nurse and an LVN confirmed that the flush bag was not labeled as required. Further interviews with the LVN and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the lack of labeling on the flush bag could result in not knowing when the flush was hung and could pose a risk of infection. Review of the facility's policy indicated requirements for labeling the formula but did not specifically address labeling of the flush bag. The failure to label the flush bag as outlined in the resident's care plan constituted the deficiency.