An assisted living facility has provided its clients with an education

An assisted living facility has provided its clients with an educational program on safe admin-istration of prescribed medications. Which statement made by an older-adult client reflects the best understanding of safe self-administration of medications?

1. “I don’t seem to have problems with side effects, but I’ll let my doctor know if something happens.”
2. “I’m lucky since my daughter is really good about keeping up with my medica-tions.”
3. “I’ll be sure to read the inserts and ask the pharmacist if I don’t understand something.”
4. “It shouldn’t be too hard to keep it straight since I don’t have any really serious health issues.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
This option reflects an understanding of the importance to understand the various aspects of the medication and its effects on the client. The older adult should be encouraged to question the physician and/or pharmacist about all prescribed drugs and over-the-counter drugs. Although this option reflects an understanding of potential risk for side effects, it is not the best option because it focuses on only one aspect of self-medication. This option appears to have the client delegating responsibility to the daughter. This option appears to have the client minimizing the importance of informed self-administration.