Which strategy can nurses implement to improve drug therapy adherence in older adult clients?
1. Discourage the use of check-off calendars because older clients do not have adequate eyesight to use them properly.
2. Suggest the client forgo obtaining medications that are too expensive.
3. Suggest the client use a daily or weekly pill counter.
4. Suggest stopping any medications that do not seem to be having an effect.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: While some older clients might have difficulty in using aids such as check-off calendars, for most they can be a valuable tool.
Rationale 2: If access to medications is limited because of cost, the nurse should help the client explore what support resources might be available.
Rationale 3: Daily or weekly pill counters are an effective, inexpensive way to promote adherence.
Rationale 4: While stopping medications that are ineffective might be appropriate, not all medications have benefits that are obvious, and medication changes should be discussed with other members of the health care team.
Global Rationale: Daily or weekly pill counters are an effective, inexpensive way to promote adherence. While some older clients might have difficulty in using aids such as check-off calendars, for most they can be a valuable tool. If access to medications is limited because of cost, the nurse should help the client explore what support resources might be available. While stopping medications that are ineffective might be appropriate, not all medications have benefits that are obvious, and medication changes should be discussed with other members of the health care team.
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