Question

A nurse is visiting a patient in the home and is assessing the patient's adherence to medications. While talking with the family caregiver, the nurse learns that the patient has been missing doses. The nurse wants to perform interventions to improve the patient's adherence. Which of the following will affect how this nurse will make clinical decisions about how to implement care for this patient? (Select all that apply.)

1. Reviewing the family caregiver's availability during medication administration times
2. Making a judgment of the value of improved adherence for the patient
3. Reviewing the number of medications and time each is to be taken
4. Determining all consequences associated with the patient missing specific medicines
5. Reviewing the therapeutic actions of the medications

Answer 1

When making clinical decisions to improve a patient's adherence to medications, the nurse considers factors such as the availability of the family caregiver, the value of improved adherence for the patient, the number and timing of medications, the consequences of missing doses, and the therapeutic actions of the medications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When making clinical decisions to improve a patient's adherence to medications, the nurse will consider several factors:

1. Reviewing the family caregiver's availability during medication administration times: This helps determine if there are any scheduling conflicts that may prevent the patient from taking their medications as prescribed.
2. Making a judgment of the value of improved adherence for the patient: The nurse will assess how improved adherence can positively impact the patient's health outcomes and overall well-being.
3. Reviewing the number of medications and time each is to be taken: This information helps the nurse create a medication schedule that is manageable for the patient and their family caregiver.
4. Determining all consequences associated with the patient missing specific medicines: Understanding the potential negative outcomes of missing doses will guide the nurse in addressing specific concerns.
5. Reviewing the therapeutic actions of the medications: Knowing how each medication works and its importance in the patient's treatment plan helps the nurse educate the patient and family caregiver about the benefits of adherence.