May Educational Inservice

May 2019
Education Inservice Apex Care LLC

Medication Assistance
Composed by Amber Jaggars RN, BSN


Safe medication use is especially important for older adults and those that depend on care from another person. Older adults use more medication than any other age group, which puts them at risk for medication errors, unsafe drug interactions, falls and undesirable drug reactions. Aging also changes the way that medications are absorbed and used in the body, and the response to medications becomes more varied and unpredictable as people age due to changes in the liver, kidney function and metabolism.  
Undesirable reactions to medications can include side effects and adverse reactions. A side effect is a well known, expected response such as drowsiness after taking antihistamines. However any long lasting side effects that interfere with daily functioning should be investigated. An adverse reaction is any unusual, unexpected response such as loss of hearing after taking an antihistamine. Taking multiple prescription drugs increases the risk of adverse reactions. Over the counter medications, caffeine, natural herbal products and alcohol are also drugs and can cause adverse reactions when combined with prescription drugs. Never assume that depression, fatigue, confusion or weakness in an elderly person is a natural part of aging; it may be an adverse reaction to medication or a combination of medications.  
Although personal care attendants do not administer medications it is important for them to be aware of the client's medications, side effects to expect, and how the medications should be taken. Assisting or reminding mean providing specific types of help including:
Inquiring whether medications were taken.
Reminding the client to take his or her medication.
Handing the appropriately marked medication container to the client.
Opening the properly labeled container if the client is unable to physically open it.
Giving a glass of water.
Helping the client keep a medication flowsheet showing when medications were taken.
Always stay with the client until the medication is taken, and report when a client refuses to take medication, takes too much or not enough medication. When a client refuses a medication it should be reported, clients have the right to refuse medication but the why is very important. For example; a client refuses to take an antibiotic for their respiratory infection, when investigated they are refusing to take it because it is causing stomach cramps and diarrhea. After talking with the clients pcp the family is able to get the client another antibiotic prescribed that does not cause the same side effects.
Understanding the risks of medications as our bodies age as well as expected responses from medications helps us become better, more informed caregivers. Personal care attendants can not administer medications but they are an integral part in ensuring safe medication use in clients as well as observing changes in the client that need to be reported. If you are unsure about how to assist with medications call and speak with your supervisor to ensure it is being done correctly and following Arkansas state guidelines.

Sign in to Google to save your progress. Learn more
All of the following are risks associated with medication use in the elderly except: *
True or False; a side effect is a well known expected response to a medication *
Assisting with medications includes all the following except: *
True or False; clients have the right to refuse medication. *
To receive credit, type LAST NAME then FIRST NAME. *
Submit
Clear form
Never submit passwords through Google Forms.
This content is neither created nor endorsed by Google. Report Abuse - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy