What should the CMA do if an alert patient has difficulty swallowing medication?

When a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) encounters a patient who has difficulty swallowing medication, ensuring that the patient is sitting upright and offering choices is the best course of action. This approach prioritizes the patient’s safety and comfort.

Sitting upright is crucial as it helps reduce the risk of aspiration, which can occur if medication is swallowed while the patient is in a reclining position. By offering choices, the CMA empowers the patient, making them feel more in control of the situation. This can include offering different forms of medication, such as liquids or crushed tablets, if appropriate and if those alternatives are allowed within the facility’s medication administration policies.

This method also allows the CMA to assess the situation further and provides an opportunity for the patient to express their preferences or concerns, which is essential in patient-centered care. Safety, communication, and respect for the patient’s autonomy are key aspects of effective medication administration in this scenario.