If a patient experiences side effects from a medication, what should a Medication Aide do?

When a patient experiences side effects from a medication, the appropriate course of action for a Medication Aide is to monitor the patient and report the situation to a nurse. This approach is crucial because while side effects can sometimes be managed, they may also require professional evaluation and intervention. Monitoring allows the Medication Aide to observe the severity, duration, and nature of the side effects, which provides important context to the nurse.

Prompt reporting is essential because it ensures that a licensed professional can assess the patient's condition thoroughly and decide whether further action is needed, such as adjusting the medication, providing supportive care, or implementing other interventions. This collaboration enhances patient safety and care quality.

Taking immediate, untrained actions, such as administering an antidote, stopping all medications, or referring the patient to a specialist, could lead to further complications or inadequate management of the situation. Therefore, monitoring and reporting align with the Medication Aide's role within the healthcare team, ensuring that the patient receives appropriate care based on the professional assessment.