Failure to Provide Privacy During Enteral Tube Feeding
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide privacy during an enteral tube feeding procedure for a resident with severe cognitive impairment, hemiplegia, traumatic brain injury, and dysphagia. During the administration of medications and tube feeding via a gastrostomy tube, the LPN left the resident's room door open, exposing the resident's abdomen and G-tube throughout the procedure. A Certified Nursing Assistant also approached the open doorway and communicated with the LPN during the process, while the door remained open. Interviews with nursing staff and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the expectation is for staff to close resident doors and provide privacy during all care and nursing procedures. Review of the facility's policy on promoting and maintaining resident dignity also directed staff to maintain resident privacy. The failure to close the door and provide privacy during the procedure was observed and confirmed as not meeting facility policy and staff expectations.