What should a KMA do if they find a medication that appears to be damaged or altered?

If a Kentucky Medication Aide encounters a medication that appears to be damaged or altered, the appropriate action is to report it to the supervising nurse and refrain from administering it. This practice ensures patient safety and maintains the integrity of medication administration protocols.

Reporting any concerns allows a qualified healthcare professional to assess the situation, determine the cause of the damage, and decide on the best course of action regarding the medication in question. This step is crucial because administering a damaged or altered medication could jeopardize the effectiveness of the treatment or cause harm to the patient, potentially leading to adverse reactions or complications.

By following this procedure, the KMA upholds the standards of safe medication administration and contributes to a culture of safety within healthcare settings.