American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the context of prescribing medication to an elderly patient with cognitive deficits, involving the patient's adult child is a prudent approach. This action is important because adult children or guardians may have a better understanding of the patient’s medical history, current medications, and overall health condition. They can provide insight into the patient’s cognitive status or any other behavioral changes that may influence treatment decisions.

Engaging the adult child can also help ensure that the caregiver is informed about the medication regimen and any potential side effects. This partnership promotes better adherence to the treatment plan and facilitates the monitoring of the patient's response to the medication.

In situations where the patient has cognitive deficits, relying solely on the patient's self-report can be misleading due to impaired memory or comprehension. Without the additional perspective of a family member, the healthcare provider risks missing critical information that could impact the patient's safety and overall treatment efficacy. Similarly, querying other staff members might not provide the comprehensive insight needed, and waiting for the patient’s chart could delay important interventions that could be initiated with adequate communication. Thus, contacting the patient’s adult child stands out as a proactive and collaborative step in ensuring safe and effective medication management for an at-risk population.