Failure to Label Enteral Feeding Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with an enteral feeding tube received appropriate treatment and services to prevent potential complications. According to the facility's policy, enteral feeding and tubing are to be changed every 24 hours or when a new bottle is hung, and the feeding bag or bottle must be labeled with the date and time it was hung. Clinical record review showed that the resident was admitted with diagnoses including breast cancer, hypotension, and abdominal discomfort, and was receiving continuous tube feeding at a specified rate with scheduled water flushes. During observation, it was noted that the resident's enteral feeding formula and water bag were infusing via pump but were not labeled with the date or time they were hung, as required by policy. A registered nurse confirmed that the formula had been hung the previous night and acknowledged the failure to follow labeling procedures. This deficiency was identified for one of three residents reviewed for enteral feeding tube care.