If a resident is in the bathroom when you need to administer medications, what is an acceptable action?

When a resident is in the bathroom and you need to administer medications, flagging the Medication Administration Record (MAR) to return later is the appropriate course of action. This choice prioritizes the resident's dignity and privacy while ensuring that they receive their medications at the correct time.

Returning later allows the resident to complete their personal needs without feeling rushed or uncomfortable, which is essential in a care setting. It also adheres to best practices for medication administration, ensuring that medications are given at the prescribed times and minimizing the potential for medication errors.

Choosing to skip the medications entirely would jeopardize the resident's health, as it might lead to missed doses that could have critical effects. Calling the resident to hurry could infringe on their privacy and comfort, potentially leading to distress. Administering medications out of order violates the principles of proper medication management and could have adverse effects on the resident's treatment plan and overall well-being.