I think a kid is pocketing pills?!?!

Eleven011 · Feb 22, 2017

Right after putting his pill in his mouth, he needs to hold his hand up like he is making the number 5, then get his drink and show you he swallowed.

CalNevaMimi, LPN, LVN · Feb 22, 2017

I learned some things from working in a state prison. Look in the mouth to see the pill in there. Check the cup after to make sure it didn't end up in the cup. Check inside the mouth after...under the tongue, too. Watch the hands before and after. Check the floor to make sure the pill wasn't dropped there. Maybe watch the person after to make sure the pill isn't barfed back up (gross, but it happens). Little stinkers have many, many ways of trying to fool us.

NurseBeans, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Feb 22, 2017

Call parents, tell them your concern, ask if they find pills in his pockets? He could be really tired of taking meds, or he doesn't like side effects, or, (perhaps worst of all) he is selling them to other kids.

I would start with parents though and see if they notice anything. Assuming they are the good kind of parents that will be receptive to a phone call and concerns. At least they could start by asking him what's going on.

If they aren't receptive, maybe just ask the kid himself what is going on. Or physically put the pill in his mouth and check mouth afterwards? I have to do that with one of my 2nd graders. I've been bitten a few times but at least he gets medicated :yes:

kidzcare · Feb 22, 2017

If he is not taking them, you'll want to ask him why he does not want to. Does he feel labeled? Not like the side effects?

tippeny · Feb 22, 2017

Mom would definitely be receptive to a call, but I think she's at her wits end with him as well! He comes in once or twice a day (minimum) for various vague complaints. It was headaches at first after he started taking his mid day dose of his meds. Then we got him an order for Motrin at school and miraculously, he hasn't had any more headaches. I know the kid has a lot of anxiety and is seeing a counselor as well but he really needs to take his meds!!

Flare, ASN, BSN · Feb 22, 2017

I would definitely call the parent to express your concerns. You might need the student to outturn his pockets before he leaves your office and hold his hands out the way dakotadenise describes after doing so. If he's walking out of your office with a dose of ADHD medication in his pocket, it is a bigger concern due to the fact that it is a widely sold /abused drug. Not saying that he is doing this - in fact your appraisal that he just does not want to take the medication is likely more accurate, but the other side can't be ignored. The fact is, that if he was found walking down the street with a stray ritalin floating in his pocket, he'd get arrested.

tippeny · Feb 22, 2017

Flare- I hadn't thought of the legal aspect. While I do doubt that he would sell his meds, I never thought about the trouble he'd get into for just carrying it around.

NurseBeans, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Feb 22, 2017

The fact is, that if he was found walking down the street with a stray ritalin floating in his pocket, he'd get arrested.

Yes, call mom first and stress this very point. I was told when I started school nursing that I am not allowed to force any student to take medication. But maybe with some gentle questioning and a reminder that pocketed pills can have serious legal consequences, he will clue you in to why he doesn't want to take them. The headaches could have been a side effect and maybe they went away because he started pocketing the meds?

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Feb 23, 2017

I would be blunt. Ask him directly, do you want this pill? He has the right to refuse. If he says yes, explain that it is your responsibility to make sure the dose is ingested. Explain in detail how that will happen. Hope this improves for you.