Tube Feeding Formulas Matter (California)

A resident was admitted to a skilled nursing facility on an enteral tube feeding. Upon admission the community did not have the correct formula that was ordered by the physician. The resident received another type of enteral formula that was less dense than the ordered formula. When the enteral feeding was calculated, the resident was receiving substantially less calories, protein, and free water flushes then they were estimated to need. Of course, this happened during a state survey in California. The community could have prevented this citation by contacting the registered dietitian when the resident was admitted to the community. Even though the community did not have the ordered formula, the dietitian can assist in recalculating the total volume and free water flushes so that the resident receives adequate nutrition.