A client was discharged two days ago following total hip replacement. During a follow-up phone call the nurse learns that the client is confused about when to take several newly prescribed medications. Which nursing action should the nurse perform first to promote the client's safe management of the medication regimen at home?
Arrange for a home health nurse to administer the medications twice daily.
Deliver a simplified, color-coded medication chart to the client's home.
Instruct the client's spouse to set up the medications in a weekly pill organizer.
Assess the client's health literacy and ability to use a medication schedule.
The nurse follows the nursing-process sequence, which begins with assessment. By assessing the client's health-literacy level and capacity to use a written medication schedule, the nurse determines whether a chart will help or whether other strategies (for example, pictorial instructions, daily pillboxes, or involving a caregiver) are required. Implementing a chart, assigning the spouse to manage medications, or arranging home-care services are implementation steps that may follow-but only after the nurse understands the client's learning needs.
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