Failure to Label Enteral Feeding Bottle for Resident with G-Tube
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident receiving enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy tube had proper labeling and instructions on the supplemental feeding bottle. During observation, it was noted that the resident's enteral feeding bottle was not labeled, and there was no label found nearby. The resident in question was a female with severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of 1, and had a care plan in place to prevent complications related to tube feeding. Physician orders specified the type and rate of enteral nutrition to be administered. Interviews with nursing staff and the Director of Nursing confirmed that feeding bottles are required to be labeled with the resident's name, feeding type, rate, and the time and date the feeding was initiated. Staff acknowledged that without proper labeling, it would not be possible to verify the correct feeding or rate, and this could result in the resident not receiving the prescribed nutrition. The facility's policy also required accurate and safe administration of medications and feedings via enteral tubes, but this was not followed in this instance.