A patient returns to the clinic for follow-up after taking a newly prescribed medication for a month. The nurse recognizes medication teaching was successful when the patient makes which statement? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply

Question

1. "I've been taking my medication on an empty stomach like the prescription label said to."
2. "I take my medication first thing in the morning, just like you said."
3. "I have been able to decrease my medication to every other day and that saves me some money."
4. "I switched all my medications to one pharmacy like you suggested."
5. "Did you say I need to take this medication with water or milk?"

Answer 1

1,2,4
Rationale 1: Some medications must be taken on an empty stomach. This statement indicates the patient is following instruction.
Rationale 2: This statement indicates the patient is following instruction.
Rationale 3: Changing dosage schedule without direction indicates failure to follow instruction.
Rationale 4: Filling all prescriptions at the same pharmacy will assist the pharmacist in comparing current and new medications for interactions. This statement indicates the patient is following the nurse's suggestion.
Rationale 5: The patient is unsure of instructions.
Global Rationale: Statements about taking medication as directed indicate the patient is adhering to instructions. Changing dosage schedule without direction indicates failure to follow instruction. If the patient is unsure of instructions, it is less likely that the correct administration technique is being followed.