09 Patient Communication and Continuity of Medication Care Free Online FlashCards

What should medication education explain about a medicine’s purpose?

Explain what the medicine is for and what benefit the patient can expect.

What instructions should patients receive about taking a medication?

Explain the dose, route, timing, duration, and any food or administration-technique instructions.

What is the purpose of teach-back?

Use teach-back to check how clearly the plan was explained, not to test the patient. Clarify gaps and ask again.

How can you check a patient’s ability to use a medication device?

Ask the patient to demonstrate the steps for using a device or performing an administration technique.

What should you do if a patient is unsure about taking a late dose?

Do not guess. Help the patient contact the pharmacist or prescriber for medication-specific advice.

What does medication adherence mean?

Adherence means taking medication as agreed with the care team.

How should you explore a patient’s medication-adherence barriers?

Ask neutrally what gets in the way, then listen for barriers such as side effects, cost, confusion, forgetfulness, refill access, or a complicated schedule.

Name two supports that may help with medication adherence.

Possible supports include reminders, a medication organizer, clearer written directions, help accessing a pharmacy or cost resources, or a medication review.

How should medication-related patient statements be documented?

Record what the patient actually reported or demonstrated. Avoid unsupported judgments such as labeling someone “noncompliant.”

What key information should medication-education documentation include?

Document education and the patient’s response, reported concerns or discrepancies, barriers and agreed supports, escalations and actions, and follow-up plans.

What is medication reconciliation?

Medication reconciliation compares medicines the patient was actually taking with current orders, resolves discrepancies, and communicates an accurate plan.

What should be included when gathering a medication history?

Ask about prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and how medicines are actually taken; use other reliable sources when needed.