Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Common Medications in the Nursing Home What caregivers needs to know July 2010

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2010Common medications 2 CNAs play a role in medication safety The CNA’s role involves:  Making important observations about residents  Reporting their observations to the nurse  Documenting according to the facility’s policy

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2010Common medications 3 Important observations to report Any changes in:  Vital signs  Behavior  Appetite  Bowel habits  Amount, color of urine, incontinence  Pain level  Steadiness on feet  Ability to help with ADLs  Alertness  Speech

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2010Common medications 4 Aging and medication Many medications are processed by the kidneys and/or liver.  These organs may not function as well in older adults  Therefore, some medications can build up in the body  That is one reason why a CNA’s observations are so important

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2010Common medications 5 Be on high alert Be extra vigilant if a resident is on a diuretic (water pill) or has an illness such as:  A cold or the flu  Vomiting or diarrhea  A fever  Loss of appetite Any of these conditions can lead to dehydration, which can make medication side effects more likely, and more dangerous.

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2010Common medications 6 CNAs can contribute to medication safety When the nurse in passing medications:  Keep distractions of the nurse to a minimum –Avoid interrupting the nurse unless it is urgent –Answer residents’ call lights  Help residents to be ready for taking their medications  Let the nurse know of any changes in the resident’s condition

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2010Common medications 7 The bottom line Even if you are not directly involved in giving out medications, you can:  Be the nurse’s eyes and ears  Report your observations  Take vital signs accurately and document them promptly