(WEEK 1)Assisting with Medications

Assisting with Medications

What is a Medication?

• Medications are defined as drugs and other substances utilized to:

  • Prevent disease

  • Treat illness

Assisting vs Administering

• Assist: Means to help.

• Administer: Means to give.

• It is beyond the scope of practice for a Personal Support Worker (PSW) to administer medications directly.

Responsibilities Regarding Medications

• PSWs should not assume the responsibility for administering medications unless:

  • It is explicitly detailed in your job description.

  • You have received formal training.

  • You are under supervision when administering medication.

• Follow policies and legal requirements to ensure protection for:

  • Yourself

  • The client

  • The employer

• Importance of understanding the ramifications of mistakes:

  • Errors in medication administration can lead to serious harm.

  • Know the following:

  • Side effects of medications

  • Your client’s normal behavior to spot abnormalities.

Role of the PSW in Medication Management

• Key activities include:

  • Reminding clients regarding medication schedules.

  • Bringing medications when needed.

  • Loosening restrictions on medication forms (e.g., containers).

  • Checking dosages against prescriptions or care plans.

  • Providing medication support depending on needs.

  • Supervising clients during medication intake.

  • Assisting clients in their medication routines.

  • Observing clients for any side effects or abnormal behavior.

  • Reporting any findings or concerns regarding medication to healthcare supervisors.

• Note: Refer to Wilk, 2022 for further information.

Assisting with Various Medications

• PSWs are allowed to assist with any medical items not listed in the care plan, including:

  • Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications

  • Alternative remedies

• Responsibilities include:

  • Purchasing OTC medications or alternative remedies for the client.

  • Monitoring the outcome of drug therapy.

  • Filling pill boxes as part of medication management.

Types of Medications

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications

• Defined as medications that can be bought without a physician’s prescription.

• Examples:

  • Tylenol (acetaminophen)

  • Cough syrups

Alternative Remedies

• Defined as herbal or natural products that do not require a physician's prescription.

• Example: Ginseng

Prescription Medications

• Medications that require a physician’s prescription and are dispensed by a pharmacist.

• Examples:

  • Antibiotics

  • Blood pressure medication

Forms of Medications

Solid Forms:

• Capsules

• Tablets

• Lozenges

• Ointments

• Suppositories

• Transdermal disks or patches

Liquid Forms:

• Elixirs

• Syrups

• Suspensions

• Drops

• Liquid for injections

Side Effects of Medications

Definition:

• A side effect is defined as an unwanted response to medication that occurs alongside the intended response.

  • Example: A client may feel relief from pain but may simultaneously experience dizziness, nausea, or constipation.

Importance of Knowing Client’s Normal Behavior:

• Understanding the client’s normal behavior is crucial for recognizing any abnormal responses or side effects from medications.

Adverse Reactions

• PSWs must be aware of their client’s “normal” to recognize what is “abnormal.”

• Adverse drug reactions can go unnoticed in seniors because such responses may be mistaken as normal aging processes.

Reasons for Medication Reactions

• Clients may experience adverse reactions due to:

  • Complex medication dosages

  • Memory issues preventing adherence to medication instructions

  • Lack of understanding regarding the purpose of medications

  • Fear of asking questions about medications

  • Poor eyesight, making it difficult to read medication labels

Physiological Reasons for Medication Reactions

• Body Composition Changes:

  • Increase in body fat tissue

  • Decrease in lean body tissue

  • Decrease in water content in body

• Gastrointestinal Function Changes:

  • Decrease in gastric acid affects drug breakdown.

  • Decrease in gastrointestinal (GI) mobility may be attributed to reduced fluid intake or lesser fiber/fruits in diet.

  • Decrease in blood flow to the kidneys and a reduced filtering capacity.

Common Physiological Side Effects

• List of common physiological side effects includes:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Dry mouth

  • Rash/hives

  • Insomnia

  • Increased blood sugar levels

  • Incontinence

  • Shortness of breath

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Tremors

  • Inability to void

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Blurred vision

  • Changes in sex drive

  • Appetite changes

  • Double vision

  • Decreased bone density

  • Stomach pain

Common Psychological Side Effects

• Psychological side effects that may occur:

  • Dull thinking

  • Confusion

  • Decreased memory

  • Dizziness

  • Agitation

  • Excitement

  • Hallucinations

  • Depression

  • Euphoria

Knowledge of Medications

• The nurse or pharmacist educates the client about the medication. Important information for clients to know includes:

  • Desired effects of the medication

  • When to take the medication

  • How to take the medication

  • Possible side effects

  • Foods or other medications to avoid

• PSWs must notify their supervisor if the client does not understand the medication-related information.