A nurse is making a home visit to an older adult woman who was recently discharged home from the hospital with a new prescription. The nurse notes that a serum drug level drawn the day before was subtherapeutic. What will the nurse do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intentional nonadherence is common and may occur because older adult patients are not convinced that drugs are needed or that the dose prescribed is correct. Counting the pills would be an appropriate first step as the nurse determines the cause of the low serum drug level, because it provides information about adherence. If the pill count is correct and the patient has taken the drug as prescribed, other causes may have to be investigated. If it is clear that the patient has not been taking enough of the medication, asking about her ability to swallow may be a good follow-up question. The last two options would be steps to discuss with the provider if the patient is taking the medication as prescribed.

A Nurse Is Making a Home Visit to an Older