Pt (non verbal and cannot write) with chronic bilateral knee pain. Takes norco at home.
When in the hospital, RN brought norco to pt's room but left with medication on the table top. Pt's son pocketed the medication. Son states that he gave it to the father already. RN insist on retrieving the medication wrapper to scan. RN found that the son has pocketed the medication. Son states that he gave the pt home norco instead. When asked for the home medication bottle, son said he only had that one dose.
RN notify care team that pt's son will pocket medication. RN cannot verify whether pt has taken home medication. PT is quiet and not reporting pain anymore. Should the MD be called? What should the next step be?
.... When in the hospital, RN brought norco to pt's room but left with medication on the table top. Pt's son pocketed the medication. Son states that he gave it to the father already. RN insist on retrieving the medication wrapper to scan. RN found that the son has pocketed the medication. Son states that he gave the pt home norco instead. When asked for the home medication bottle, son said he only had that one dose.
RN notify care team that pt's son will pocket medication. RN cannot verify whether pt has taken home medication. PT is quiet and not reporting pain anymore. Should the MD be called? What should the next step be?
Why did the RN leave the meds with the patient ? The RN's job is to watch the patient take their meds, not leave it with the patient, or the family. That's a classic example of why families should not be trusted with a patient's meds.
While I came across a doctor's order for leaving meds at the bedside of an aware LTC resident, I can categorically state that he most likely would not have written such an order for a controlled med!!!
Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.
Major mistake. Never, ever leave any med at the bedside. I always watch to make sure that the meds are taken. Write yourself up for this major breach in protocol.
VegGal, RN
192 Posts
Why did the RN leave the meds with the patient ? The RN's job is to watch the patient take their meds, not leave it with the patient, or the family. That's a classic example of why families should not be trusted with a patient's meds.