need help asap, drug q's..? Cna. drugs..

[la mama 310]

Hi all,

I am a CNA and RN hopeful for 2010. My mom has bi-polar and is hospitalized now for her manic bi-polar disorder.

My family and I are going for full conservatorship because this has been a long ordeal. That may not happen because it is tough to get, although she desperately needs help from us with all aspects of her life. My q is, when

a person is 1) has no insight to their illness 2)gravely disabled 3) non-compliant w/ meds 4) extreme history of non-compliance with meds ... is there any way as a family member I can help with the administering of these meds as a CNA. The doc said there is a long lasting shot for Risperdol which is approved for bi-polar, but is best paired w/ lithium from my understanding. Is it ethical or even legal to crush up medicine and put it in food for someone who desperately needs it but doesn't take it? She goes through periods where she might take it, or half the dose,

to not taking any at all. Currently she refused her medication today and wants to live at a homeless shelter, she is under a psychiatric hold though. I also have heard that there are some assisted living places that have CNA's that

will stand there and watch her take her meds. She will very easily refuse and I know that with a large amount of patients, I don't think it's realistic to expect the CNA to stay with a woman who is likely going to cause a scene about it and a big fuss (she is really mean when not medicated) . I'm not sure what to do, I thought someone in

this community might have some insight on this topic, we are racking our brains trying to come up with a solution that is best for her... because getting 51/50 repeatedly is a stressfull situation that does not need to keep happening!!!

[matilda123]

Sorry that you are having such a hard time. You should be discussing this stuff with her doctors as they should have the answers and be able to help in sorting out a plan of care for your Mom.

good luck

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

This is really something we can not answer here on allnurses. A good suggestion in talking with your mum's PCP