If you notice a resident is more agitated after starting a new medication, you should report this to which person?

If you notice a resident is more agitated after starting a new medication, you should report this to which person?

• A. Director of nursing
• B. Staff nurse
• C. Resident's healthcare provider
• D. Resident's husband

Answer: (C)

When a resident shows new or worsening agitation after starting a new medication, it can be an adverse drug reaction or medication-related change in condition. The person who can determine what to do about the medication is the healthcare provider who prescribed it. Reporting promptly to them allows assessment of whether the agitation is related to the drug, whether the dose should be adjusted, a different medication should be used, or the medication should be stopped. This protects the resident’s safety and ensures appropriate medical management. The director of nursing and the resident’s husband aren’t the appropriate channels for making medical decisions about medications, and while a nurse on the unit may relay information, the clinician who prescribed the drug is the one who can authorize changes.

When a resident shows new or worsening agitation after starting a new medication, it can be an adverse drug reaction or medication-related change in condition. The person who can determine what to do about the medication is the healthcare provider who prescribed it. Reporting promptly to them allows assessment of whether the agitation is related to the drug, whether the dose should be adjusted, a different medication should be used, or the medication should be stopped. This protects the resident’s safety and ensures appropriate medical management. The director of nursing and the resident’s husband aren’t the appropriate channels for making medical decisions about medications, and while a nurse on the unit may relay information, the clinician who prescribed the drug is the one who can authorize changes.