Question

A medical assistant is talking with a patient who reports forgetting whether she has taken her prescribed medication each day. Which of the following responses should the assistant make?

a) "You should set an alarm on your phone to remind you."
b) "It's important to stick to a strict routine every day."
c) "You should switch to a different medication."
d) "Try to guess if you've taken it by how you feel.

Answer 1

The best response for a patient who forgets to take their prescribed medication is to set an alarm as a reminder and establish a medication routine. Switching medication or guessing is not recommended.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient reports forgetting whether she has taken her prescribed medication each day, the medical assistant should recommend setting an alarm as a reminder. A suitable response to the patient's concern would be: "You should set an alarm on your phone to remind you." This is a simple but effective way to help the patient remember to take their medication at the proper times daily.

Creating a medication routine can also be helpful. By incorporating the medication into a daily routine, it becomes a regular part of the patient's schedule, which can reduce the likelihood of forgetting a dose. Routines can strengthen memory recall and consistency in medication management.

It is not advisable to switch medications or try to guess whether the medication has been taken based on how the patient feels. Such actions could lead to medication errors or serious health complications. Instead, establishing systematic habits or using memory aids can significantly improve medication adherence and overall health outcomes.