What action should be taken if a resident misses a dose of their medication?

If a resident misses a dose of their medication, consulting the medication guidelines for instructions is the appropriate action to take. These guidelines typically provide specific procedures for handling missed doses, which can vary depending on the type of medication and the timing of the missed dose.

Following the guidelines ensures that the resident receives the correct and safe dosage while minimizing the risk of complications. It gives healthcare providers the information needed to make informed decisions about whether to administer the missed dose immediately, wait until the next scheduled dose, or take other action based on the resident's specific circumstances and the properties of the medication.

Other actions, such as waiting for the next scheduled dose or administering two doses at once, may not take into account the risks associated with undoing a missed dose. Calling the resident's family for guidance may introduce unnecessary delays and do not provide the immediate clinical insight required in these situations. Therefore, adhering to the medication guidelines is the best practice for ensuring safe and effective medication management in assisted living settings.