The nurse is preparing a 70-year-old visually impaired male client for

The nurse is preparing a 70-year-old visually impaired male client for home discharge. Which of the following nursing actions will have the greatest impact on the client’s safety related to medi-cation administration?

1. Evaluate the client’s ability to read the frequency and dosage information on his medication bottles.
2. Watch the client demonstrate the appropriate method for splitting his morning medication in half.
3. Observe the client open and pour out the appropriate number of pills required for his morning medications.
4. Have the client restate the administration schedule and prescribed dosage of each of his home medications.

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Ask the client to read a label to determine if the client is able to read the dosage and frequency. Although the other options are appropriate interventions, the primary concern is the ability to read the instructions in light of the visual impairment.