Failure to Label Enteral Feedings and Improper Syringe Storage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly label enteral feeding formula and did not store enteral feeding syringes according to infection control protocols for two residents receiving enteral nutrition. For one resident with an anoxic brain injury and severe cognitive impairment, the enteral feeding was observed infusing without a label indicating the date or time it was changed. Additionally, the enteral feeding syringe used for medication administration was stored in a plastic bag with the plunger inside the barrel, and droplets of water were present in both the syringe tip and the bag. The nurse responsible was unaware of the requirement to label the feeding or to store the syringe components separately. For another resident with dysphagia and a history of stroke, the syringe used for medication and water flushes was also found stored in a plastic bag with the plunger inside the barrel, with visible droplets of liquid inside the syringe and bag. The nurse administering care was not aware that the plunger should be separated from the barrel during storage. The DON confirmed that the correct procedure is to label enteral feedings with the date and time and to store syringes with the plunger separated from the barrel to prevent bacterial growth.