Question about handling a Patient

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I have a patient who was supposed to pick up her medication at the pharmacy one week ago after I ordered it by the MD. Today at my visit she still didn't pick it up. She already run out of his Bp meds. She is a medicare patient. Am I suppose to discharge her because of non compliant?

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

4 Articles; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma. Has 43 years experience.

I would find out why she didn't pick it up.....maybe she can't afford it.

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

I would ask your supervisor what action they want you to take. You have informed the doctor?

KelRN215, BSN, RN

1 Article; 7,349 Posts

Specializes in Pedi. Has 16 years experience.
I have a patient who was supposed to pick up her medication at the pharmacy one week ago after I ordered it by the MD. Today at my visit she still didn't pick it up. She already run out of his Bp meds. She is a medicare patient. Am I suppose to discharge her because of non compliant?

Well why are you seeing her? If you are following her for dressing changes or some other reason, I don't see why you'd have to discharge her for non-compliance with her chronic meds. Presumably (since she is Medicare) she is an adult and can choose not to take her medications.

I'd have almost no caseload if I discharged all my patients who I discover to be inconsistent with their meds.

sinawahi

32 Posts

Thanks for the answers. I am seeing her for med management. Spoke with the md. We are going to keep her for now.

MrChicagoRN, RN

2,589 Posts

Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care. Has 30 years experience.
I would find out why she didn't pick it up.....maybe she can't afford it.

Yep.

Can't afford it, can't get there to pick it up, knowledge deficit, side-effects.....