When performing the initial assessment on a new client in a geriatric outpatients practice, the most effective method the nurse can implement to elicit an accurate medication assessment is to ask that the client:

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The gold standard is to use the "brown bag" approach. The patient is asked to bring all medications including prescription drugs, OTC drugs, and herbal and dietary supplements. The patient may not remember all of the medications that are being taken. As each medication is removed from the bag, necessary information is obtained. A complete medication assessment includes OTC drugs, as well as herbal and dietary supplements, not just prescription medications. Your primary source of information should be the patient if she is able to provide the information; the previous provider may not be able to provide information on supplements or OTC and herbal medications. The nurse needs to include more than just prescription medications. In addition, prescribed medications do not always reflect what is being taken.

When Performing the Initial Assessment on a New Client in a Geriatric