Module 10
Assisting with
Medications
Assignment – Part I
GROUP ASSIGNMENT
Ramandip Kaur
Pawandeep Kaur
Hardeep Kaur
Jagjit Kaur Gill
Lovepreet Kaur
1. Using the acronym, “A.C.T.I.O.N,” identify and explain the sequence the tool
recommends you follow to address all medication problems. (6 marks)
The A.C.T.I.O.N. plan is a tool used to address medication problems.
It stands for:
A-Assess the situation. The first step to identify the challenge/ problem by observing
the patient’s health condition, living condition, medications.
C- Contact your supervisor. This step is to inform the person who is in charged and to
know what should to do next.
T- Talk to family member if present. This step can provide unknown additional
information to help improve the patient’s situation.
I- Identify how you can help. This step helps caregiver can determine what to do to
help the patient appropriately.
O- Open the chart and document. Recording the problem and action will help to keep
track of the patient’s progress.
N- Note to follow up. This step helps keep track of the patient’s progress and also
helps the healthcare team for further treatment.
Situation 1: Your client has Parkinson’s disease. He tries to administer his own
medication. His wife, who usually helps him, is often not home for his afternoon
dose because Your visit is her respite time.
2a. In your own words, explain the main problem/challenge faced in this situation.
The main problem in this situation is that the client is having trouble taking their
medication due to Parkinson’s disease-related tremors. Parkinson’s disease causes
involuntary shaking (tremors), muscle stiffness, and coordination difficulties, which can
make simple tasks such as opening a medication bottle or handling pills challenging. If
the client is unable to access their medication, they may miss doses, which could lead
to worsening symptoms or complications. This issue requires immediate attention to
ensure the client can continue taking their medication as prescribed.
2b. What section in the “Medication Problem A.C.T.I.O.N. Plan” resource would
you turn to when addressing this situation?
This situation falls under Section B: Physical or Cognitive Problems in the A.C.T.I.O.N.
Plan. According to this section, if a client has difficulty handling or preparing medication
due to physical impairment (such as tremors, weakness, or coordination problems), the
PSW must assess the situation, report the issue to the supervisor, and determine ways
to assist while ensuring proper documentation.
2c. What action would you take to assist your client?
Upon arrival, the psw observed that the client was having difficulty retrieving and taking
his medication due to shaking and poor hand coordination associated with Parkinson’s
disease. As the client attempted to open the bottle, his tremors made it challenging to
grip and remove the pill. Since his wife, who typically helps him, was not home during
this time, the psw assessed the situation, confirming that while the client remained
mentally alert and aware of his medication schedule, he was physically unable to
complete the task independently. The psw promptly contacted the supervisor to report
on the issue and discuss potential interventions. To support the client while maintaining
his autonomy, the psw gently stabilized the client’s arm and assisted with opening the
medication bottle. This approach allowed the client to successfully retrieve and take the
medication on his own. Documentation was completed, including the Medication
Administration Record (MAR) to reflect the psw’s assistance.
Situation 2.) Your client is 84 and has rheumatoid arthritis. Each week the RN
distributes her medication for each day in a docette. Today your client’s joints
seem very inflamed, and she asks you to open her docette for her.
A. In your own words, explain the main problem/challenge faced in this situation.
(2 marks for each situation)
In this case, the client has rheumatoid arthritis and is taking medication for it. However,
his joints are now very inflamed, indicating a change in his health condition that
necessitates consultation with a physician
B. What section in the “Medication Problem A.C.T.I.O.N. Plan” resource would you
turn to when addressing the situation? (1 mark for each situation)
This problem can be solved by going to Section D (change in client Condition).
C. What action would you take to assist your client? Record your answer for part
“c” as if you are documenting in the client’s record. (3 marks for each situation)
06/17/2025 @1300H: Opened client docette and provided water to assist client with
medication. Placed a call to the supervisor to report challenges with opening the
docette. Report about very inflamed joints to the supervisor. ------ R.P., PSW Student.
Situation 3 According to the care plan for a new client, he is on an anti-
inflammatory medication that has been prescribed to be taken bid. When you try
to remind him to take his medication, he refuses, claiming he is fine.
(a) In your own words, explain the main problem/challenge faced in this situation.
(2 marks for each situation)
• The primary challenge in this situation is the client’s refusal to take the prescribed
anti-inflammatory medication, despite the care plan specifying a twice-daily (bid)
dosage. This refusal might be influenced by the client’s current feeling of well-being and
their lack of understanding of the long-term benefits or risks of missing doses.
(b)What section in the “Medication Problem A.C.T.I.O.N. Plan” resource would you
turn to when addressing the situation? (1 mark for each situation)
• The "Observe and Communicate" sections are relevant for this situation. This section
emphasizes strategies to address client refusal by observing their behavior and
engaging in effective communication to understand concerns and promote adherence.
(c)What action would you take to assist your client? Record your answer for part
“c” as if you are documenting in the client’s record. (3 marks for each situation)
• June 17, 2025: "Talked with the client about why it’s important to take their medication
as prescribed. Explained the possible health risks of not following the plan. Offered to
adjust the timing of medication to better fit the client's routine and comfort. Encouraged
open dialogue for any concerns or barriers to taking the medication. Listened to the
client’s concerns and suggested they speak with their healthcare provider to review the
medication and address any doubts. Informed the supervisor about the client’s choice
and refusal and recommended a follow-up to update the care plan based on the client’s
needs and preferences."
Situation 4
a. Main Problem/Challenge:
The main issue here is a discrepancy between the medication strength listed on
the label and the care plan, which could potentially lead to confusion or even a
medication error. The client claims that their medication was altered after a visit
to the medical clinic over the weekend. The challenge is determining whether the
change was communicated properly and ensuring that the client is receiving the
correct dosage as per their updated care plan. This is crucial to prevent any
adverse effects or complications.
b. Relevant Section in the “Medication Problem A.C.T.I.O.N. Plan” Resource:
In this situation, the appropriate section to refer to would be "C: Clarify and
Verify". This section guides you through the process of verifying whether the
medication change was made appropriately and ensuring it aligns with the care
plan. You would likely need to contact the clinic or healthcare provider to confirm
whether the medication change was authorized and documented properly.
c. Action to Assist the Client (Documenting in Client's Record):
"Upon reviewing the client's medication label, I noticed that the strength of the
medication is different from what is listed in the care plan. The client reports that
their medication was changed after a visit to the medical clinic over the weekend.
I have contacted the medical clinic to verify whether the medication change was
made and to confirm the new prescribed strength. I will update the care plan
once the new medication information is verified and ensure that the client
receives the correct dosage moving forward. In the meantime, I will monitor the
client for any adverse reactions or side effects related to the medication change."
