Improper Feeding Technique for Dependent Resident with Dysphagia
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a nurse aide failed to use the proper feeding technique for a resident who was dependent on staff for feeding and had significant medical conditions, including dementia, dysphagia, and impaired cognitive and physical abilities. The resident was on a dysphagia puree diet with nectar thick liquids and required slow feeding with small bites, alternating solids and liquids, and monitoring for signs of aspiration. Despite documented competency validation and clear care plan instructions, video evidence showed the nurse aide feeding the resident too quickly, providing large spoonfuls of food without ensuring the resident had swallowed before offering more, and not pausing between bites as required. Interviews with facility staff, including the nurse aide, speech and language pathologist, and director of nursing, confirmed that the feeding was performed too rapidly and did not follow the established protocols for safe feeding of residents with swallowing difficulties. The facility's competency validation form also specified the need to ensure the resident's mouth was empty before the next bite, which was not followed in this instance. The facility was unable to provide a specific policy for feeding residents when requested.