Failure to Provide Proper Tube Feeding Care and Equipment Maintenance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate care and services to residents receiving tube feedings, as evidenced by multiple observations and record reviews. For four residents with feeding tubes, staff did not follow facility policies regarding the care and maintenance of feeding equipment and supplies. Specifically, feeding tube pumps and poles were found to be dirty with dried feeding substances, and syringes used for tube feeding were not stored properly—some were left in cups with unknown fluids, not air drying, and not placed in plastic bags as required by policy. Additionally, feeding bags and tubing were left connected to residents even when pumps were turned off, and there was a lack of proper labeling and dating of equipment. One resident with a G-tube had a drain dressing that had not been changed according to physician orders, with the dressing dated two days prior to observation. The same resident's room was found with spilled tube feeding and water on the floor, dirty pumps, and cups on the floor. These findings were confirmed by the Director of Nursing, who acknowledged the failure to adhere to established protocols for tube feeding care and site dressing changes. The deficiencies were cited under relevant state codes for management, nursing services, and resident care policies.