Missouri Nursing License Defense After Allegations of Improper Care for a Patient With a Feeding Tube
Missouri Nursing License Defense Lawyer – Sanger Law Office, LLC
Feeding tubes provide essential nutritional support for patients who cannot safely or adequately receive nutrition by mouth. Nurses working in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and home healthcare settings may be responsible for administering tube feedings, medications, and water according to prescribed treatment plans. When a patient experiences aspiration, tube displacement, obstruction, or another complication, an employer may investigate whether the nurse followed appropriate procedures. If the employer believes professional standards were violated, the incident may be reported to the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
Feeding tube complications do not automatically establish that a nurse provided improper care. Patients receiving enteral nutrition often have serious underlying medical conditions, swallowing disorders, neurological impairments, or other factors increasing their risk of complications. The investigation should evaluate the type of feeding tube, the patient’s condition, applicable orders, and the nurse’s actual responsibilities rather than assuming that every adverse event resulted from negligence.
Nursing Responsibilities for Feeding Tube Care
Nurses may be responsible for assessing the patient, administering ordered nutrition and medications, monitoring tolerance, and recognizing complications.
The applicable procedures depend on the type of feeding tube, the healthcare setting, and the patient’s treatment plan.
Some responsibilities may involve verifying tube placement according to current clinical standards and facility policies before specified uses.
Nurses must recognize when concerns require additional assessment or provider notification.
Common Feeding Tube Allegations
An employer may allege that a nurse administered feeding through an improperly positioned tube, used an incorrect rate, or failed to recognize intolerance.
Other complaints involve inadequate flushing, medication administration problems, or incomplete documentation.
An investigation may also arise after a patient develops aspiration pneumonia or another serious complication.
The existence of a complication does not independently establish that the nurse violated professional standards.
Aspiration Risk and Patient-Specific Factors
Patients with neurological disorders, impaired swallowing, reduced consciousness, or significant gastrointestinal conditions may face increased aspiration risks.
The investigation should consider whether the nurse followed appropriate positioning and monitoring procedures.
A patient may develop aspiration despite reasonable precautions.
The Board should evaluate whether the nurse’s conduct was appropriate under the circumstances.
Missouri Nursing License Disciplinary Authority
RSMo § 335.066 establishes grounds for professional disciplinary proceedings involving Missouri nursing licenses.
A feeding tube complaint may raise allegations concerning assessment, treatment administration, or failure to follow orders.
However, the Board must evaluate the specific conduct and evidence.
An employer’s conclusion that a complication was preventable does not automatically establish grounds for license discipline.
Medical Evidence and Documentation
Relevant evidence may include feeding orders, nursing assessments, administration records, imaging results, and communications with healthcare providers.
The patient’s medical history and prior feeding tolerance may also provide important context.
A defense may demonstrate that the nurse followed the authorized treatment plan and responded appropriately to concerning symptoms.
Contact Sanger Law Office, LLC
If you are accused of improper feeding tube care or enteral nutrition administration, Sanger Law Office, LLC can help defend your Missouri nursing license.
Call (816) 520-8040 to schedule a confidential consultation concerning your Missouri State Board of Nursing investigation.