Improper Storage and Cleaning of Enteral Feeding Syringes
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to properly store and maintain enteral feeding syringes for a resident with a gastrostomy tube and severe cognitive impairment. Observations revealed that the enteral feeding syringe was repeatedly left with the plunger engaged and contained clear liquid with white sediment, rather than being separated and allowed to air dry as required. The same syringe was used for multiple medication administrations and flushes without being replaced or properly cleaned. On one occasion, the syringe was found in a plastic bag with ants present, and on another, ants were observed crawling on and inside the syringe and plunger. Interviews with nursing staff indicated a lack of knowledge regarding the correct procedure for cleaning and storing enteral feeding syringes, with one nurse stating she was unaware that the plunger should be separated to prevent bacterial growth. The unit manager and Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility's procedure required syringes to be washed after each use and air dried with the plunger removed, but this was not consistently followed by staff.