A nurse is admitting a client to a medical-surgical unit.
When performing medication reconciliation for the client, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
A. Compare new prescriptions with the list of medications the client reports
B.
B. Encourage the client to make his own list after he returns to his home
C.
Include any adverse effects of the medications the client might develop
D.
Exclude nutritional supplements from the list of medications the client reports
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Compare new prescriptions with the list of medications the client reports.
Explanation:
Medication reconciliation is a crucial process performed by nurses to ensure the accuracy and safety of a patient’s medication regimen when transitioning from one care setting to another or when starting a new care plan. The goal is to prevent medication errors, such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or drug interactions, which can significantly impact patient safety.
Option A is the most appropriate action for medication reconciliation. Comparing new prescriptions with the list of medications the client reports helps identify any discrepancies between the medications the client is currently taking and those prescribed by the healthcare provider. This comparison allows the nurse to verify the accuracy of the medication list and ensure that all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, are accounted for. By reconciling the medications in this way, the nurse can detect any potential interactions, ensure that medications are not duplicated, and confirm that there are no omissions. This step is essential to maintain the continuity and safety of the patient’s medication therapy.
Option B suggests encouraging the client to make their own list after returning home, which is not a practical approach for immediate medication reconciliation upon admission. Medication reconciliation should be performed during the admission process to ensure accurate and safe medication management from the start of care.
Option C involves including adverse effects of the medications, which is important for patient education and monitoring but is not directly related to the reconciliation process itself. Medication reconciliation focuses on matching and verifying the medication list rather than documenting adverse effects.
Option D suggests excluding nutritional supplements from the list, which is incorrect. Nutritional supplements should be included in the medication reconciliation process because they can interact with prescribed medications and impact overall treatment efficacy and safety.
In summary, comparing new prescriptions with the list of medications the client reports ensures a comprehensive and accurate medication history, which is essential for safe and effective patient care.