Is it acceptable to leave a resident's medication at their bedside if they are present during administration?

In the context of medication administration, it is crucial to ensure the safety and proper adherence to prescribed treatments. Observing the resident take their medication is essential for several reasons. It verifies that the correct individual is taking the medication, confirms that the resident actually consumes the medication as prescribed, and minimizes the risk of medication errors or potential misuse.

Simply leaving the medication at the bedside—even if the resident is present—does not allow for these critical observations to occur. There could be a variety of factors influencing whether the resident actually takes the medication, including their understanding of the medication and its purpose, physical ability to take it, or cognitive state. By supervising the administration, you ensure that the medication is taken correctly and address any immediate concerns that may arise during the process.

Even if there are no apparent safety concerns or if the resident is attentive, the overarching principle in medication administration is to prioritize patient safety and compliance by witnessing the intake.