Improper Cleaning and Storage of Enteral Feeding Syringe
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that parenteral fluids were administered in accordance with professional standards of practice by not properly cleaning and storing a piston syringe used for enteral feedings. Observation revealed that a resident's bedside syringe contained a yellowish fluid in the tip, was capped, and had the plunger inserted, contrary to facility policy. The policy required syringes used for liquids other than clear water to be rinsed, dried, and stored in a proper bag or approved container, with the syringe and plunger stored separately. The resident involved had multiple diagnoses, including diabetes, encephalopathy, muscle weakness, and communication deficits, and was receiving medications and nutritional support via a PEG tube. Interview with the DON confirmed that staff did not follow the proper cleaning and storage procedures for the syringe after use.