Module 10 – Assisting with Medications
Assignment – Part I
General Directions:
Name: Harmanjot Kaur, Oluwatomisin Ayebusiwa, Venujan Piratheepan
Date: 15TH May 2025
Task 1: Explain the A.C.T.I.O.N. Acronym
The A.C.T.I.O.N. plan is a systematic tool for Home Support Workers to address medication-related problems. Each step
helps ensure client safety and appropriate follow-up:
A – Assess the Problem
Carefully observe the client and the medication-related issue. Gather information about what happened, when, and how
it may affect the client.
C – Contact Your Supervisor
Immediately inform your supervisor or the nurse about the problem, especially if it's outside your role or could risk the
client's safety.
T – Talk to Family Member if Present
Communicate with any family members or caregivers who are present to understand the situation better and share any
necessary information, within the limits of your role.
I – Identify How You Can Help
Decide what steps you can take within your scope of practice to assist the client safely and appropriately.
O – Open the Chart and Document
Accurately record what happened in the client’s chart or care record, including what you observed, what action you took,
and any communication made.
N – Note to Follow-Up
Make a note to follow up on the issue, and ensure that proper communication and explanation are provided to the care
team or supervisor as required.
Situation 1 – Parkinson’s Disease and Medication Administration
a. Main problem
The client is attempting to self-administer medication without assistance during a time when his primary caregiver is not
available. Due to Parkinson’s, he may struggle with fine motor skills, which puts him at risk of taking the wrong dose or
dropping pills.
b. Relevant A.C.T.I.O.N Section:
Assess the problem and organize for safety
c. Documented Note:
“Client attempted to self-administer his 1400 p.m. oral medication without assistance. Client appeared to have difficulty
handling pills due to tremors associated with Parkinson’s. Informed RN and ensured medication was safely stored.
Encouraged client to wait for caregiver or support. Suggested review of medication administration schedule during
caregiver’s absence.”
Situation 2 – Rheumatoid Arthritis and Joint Inflammation
a. Main Problem/Challenge
Client has severe joint pain and inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in difficulty gripping or twisting open
pill bottles, thus impairing medication access.
b. Relevant A.C.T.I.O.N. Section
a. The client is experiencing increased joint inflammation, making it difficult for her to open the medication docette
herself.
b. Section: Take responsibility and inform your supervisor
c. Documented Note:
“Client reported severe joint pain and requested assistance to open her docette. I opened the appropriate section of the
docette as directed by the care plan and observed the client taking her medication. Notified supervisor of client’s
increased joint inflammation. Recommended possible follow-up with RN regarding pain management.”
Situation 3 – Anti-Inflammatory Medication Refusal
a. Main Problem/Challenge
The client refuses to take prescribed medication, stating he feels fine. This may indicate a lack of understanding about the
importance of regular dosing.
b. Relevant A.C.T.I.O.N Section
Communicate clearly and Inform your supervisor
c. Documented Note:
“Client refused his scheduled anti-inflammatory medication (bid dosage), stating he felt fine. Explained the importance of
following the prescribed routine even if symptoms aren’t present. Client still declined medication. Notified supervisor and
documented refusal in client’s record. Will continue to monitor and support client as per care plan.”
Situation 4 – Medication label differs from care plan
a. Main Problem/Challenge
The strength of the medication on the label does not match the care plan, suggesting the medication may have been
changed without the care plan being updated.
b. Relevant A.C.T.I.O.N Section:
Assess the problem and never delay reporting
c. Documented Note:
“Noticed discrepancy between medication strength listed on the bottle and the care plan. Client stated medication was
changed after a clinic visit over the weekend. Did not administer medication. Reported the issue to RN and documented
discrepancy. Awaiting confirmation and update to care plan.”