Podcast
Questions and Answers
A healthcare assistant (HCA) is assisting a client with their medication in an assisted living facility. Which of the following actions requires a specific delegation of task (DOT)?
A healthcare assistant (HCA) is assisting a client with their medication in an assisted living facility. Which of the following actions requires a specific delegation of task (DOT)?
- Opening a blister pack containing the client's prescribed medication. (correct)
- Providing the client with a glass of water to take with their medication.
- Documenting in the client's chart that the medication was taken.
- Reminding the client to take their medication after breakfast.
An HCA is preparing to assist a client with medication. The medication is packaged in a dosset box. What aspect of medication safety is already verified by the pharmacist who filled the dosset box?
An HCA is preparing to assist a client with medication. The medication is packaged in a dosset box. What aspect of medication safety is already verified by the pharmacist who filled the dosset box?
- Confirming the client's preferred route of administration.
- Checking for potential side effects of the medication.
- Ensuring the client is comfortable with taking the medication.
- Verifying the right medication, time, and expiry date. (correct)
Which scenario describes a situation where an HCA would need to be notified of the specific needs of a new client before performing a delegated task (DOT)?
Which scenario describes a situation where an HCA would need to be notified of the specific needs of a new client before performing a delegated task (DOT)?
- The HCA is working in a different care setting than where they received their DOT training.
- The HCA is assigned to a new client who requires assistance with opening medication containers, a task the HCA is already trained in. (correct)
- The HCA is asked to administer a different medication than what they are used to.
- The HCA has never worked with a client requiring medication assistance before.
An HCA is assisting a client who expresses a desire to take their medication with grapefruit juice because they enjoy the taste. What is the MOST appropriate action for the HCA?
An HCA is assisting a client who expresses a desire to take their medication with grapefruit juice because they enjoy the taste. What is the MOST appropriate action for the HCA?
An HCA notices a client frequently forgets to take their afternoon medication. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial action for the HCA to take to address this?
An HCA notices a client frequently forgets to take their afternoon medication. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial action for the HCA to take to address this?
During medication assistance, an HCA observes that a client is having difficulty swallowing pills. What should the HCA do FIRST?
During medication assistance, an HCA observes that a client is having difficulty swallowing pills. What should the HCA do FIRST?
An HCA is assisting with medication when they notice that the client's prescription label is difficult to read due to fading ink. What is the MOST appropriate course of action?
An HCA is assisting with medication when they notice that the client's prescription label is difficult to read due to fading ink. What is the MOST appropriate course of action?
A client states they are going to take a double dose of their pain medication because their pain level has increased. What action should the HCA take FIRST?
A client states they are going to take a double dose of their pain medication because their pain level has increased. What action should the HCA take FIRST?
Flashcards
Assisting with Medication
Assisting with Medication
Assisting clients with medication by reminding them, bringing it to them, reading labels, opening packaging, providing water and supervising self-administration.
Delegation of Task (DOT)
Delegation of Task (DOT)
A specific training for one person and one task in medication assistance.
Eight Rights of Medication
Eight Rights of Medication
Ensuring the right person, day, time, dose, medication, expiration date, route, and documentation when assisting with medications.
Blister Packs/Dosset Boxes
Blister Packs/Dosset Boxes
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Right Documentation Location
Right Documentation Location
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DOT Standard Form
DOT Standard Form
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Reasons for Medication Misuse
Reasons for Medication Misuse
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Medication Effects
Medication Effects
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Study Notes
Medication Management for Healthcare Assistants
- Healthcare assistant students study medication management during the second semester.
- This skill prepares them for jobs in various care environments.
- HCAs operate under a registered nurse's license, and must follow specific rules for safety.
Assisting with Medication
- Aiding clients with medications might involve:
- Reminding clients to take their medication.
- Delivering medication to clients who cannot move or are bedridden.
- Reading the label on a prescription.
- Loosening or taking off lids, or opening blister packs.
- Supplying water to help take the medication.
- Watching over the client as they put medication into their hand, spoon, or cup.
- Keeping the client's hand steady as they pour the medication, give it to themselves, or use eye drops.
- These actions fall under delegation of task (DOT).
- A DOT needs focused training for a single person and a single task.
- DOTs are carried out in settings like assisted living and home support.
- If another client needs the same DOT, the HCA needs to know the specific needs of that new client.
Medication Safety and the Eight Rights
- In home support or assisted living, medications cannot be given if they are mixed up.
- Following the eight rights of medication administration helps maintain safety:
- Right person
- Right day
- Right time
- Right dose
- Right medication
- Right expiration date
- Right route
- Right documentation
- These rights make sure the HCA follows the care plan for the DOT.
Medication Packaging and Documentation
- Pharmacists commonly dispense medications in blister packs or dosset boxes.
- This ensures the right medication, time, and expiry date are already checked.
- The client's chart contains the right documentation in the order for a DOT.
Medication Administration Guidelines
- Medication needs to be taken with water, as some juices can interfere with absorption.
- Avoid grapefruit juice and dairy products.
- A standard DOT form includes the procedure and rationale.
Medication Effects and Misuse
- Medications target specific body functions to alleviate pain and symptoms, boost health, or fight infections.
- HCAs help with medications to prevent misuse.
- Factors leading to medication misuse include:
- The client believes they do not require it.
- The client thinks more is better.
- Doctors or pharmacists are too busy to provide clear instructions.
- A medication schedule is too hard to follow causing confusion.
- The client dislikes the side effects.
- The client does not notice effects immediately.
- The client feels better and stops taking the medication or lowers the dose.
- Medication costs too much.
- Halting and restarting medication to save money.
- Taking medication past its expiration date to save money.
- Sharing medication.
- It is illegal and considered prescribing to share medication.
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Description
Healthcare assistants learn medication management during their second semester to prepare them for various care settings. They work under a registered nurse's license and must follow specific rules to ensure safety. Assisting with medications involves tasks like reminding clients, reading labels, and providing support.
