Something's Different

Gloria started a new medicine this week. Today she isn't herself.

Key takeawayWatch for side effectsKnow what each person's medicines are for and what side effects to watch for, especially after a new medicine or a change in dose. If you notice dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, a rash or any change, report it to the nurse or prescriber right away. Never stop, skip or change a medicine on your own. Write down what you saw and what you were told.

In this scene

Gloria: I feel funny today. My mouth is so dry, and the room spins when I stand.

Kevin: Gloria's dizzy. Maybe I should just skip her new pill tonight.

Nadia: We don't stop or change medicine ourselves. But you're right to notice. New medicine, new symptoms: we report it.

Watch the episode to see what happens next.

Questions to think about

Gloria is dizzy after a new medicine. You:
Who decides to stop or change a medicine?
When are side effects most likely to show?

About this series

For direct support staff who help people with their medicine: the rights of medication, refusals, not pre-pouring, missed doses, medication errors, documenting, side effects, outings, locked storage and counts, and as-needed medicines. Follow your agency's medication policy, your nurse's instructions and your state's rules on who may give medication. See the whole series

Something's Different

In this scene

Questions to think about

About this series

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