The Medicine Cabinet
Billy Bob has a PRN for Tylenol, but the current medication bottle expired on 4/2/2026. Should staff administer this medication?
Absolutely NOT
You need to drink exactly 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
Myth-hydration needs vary by person and activity level
This common habit is one of the easiest ways to stop the spread of germs.
Hand washing
A medication bottle says, “take with food,” but Lody Dody refuses breakfast. What do you do?
Retry in 15 minutes and begin contacting CF regarding potential medication administration concerns?
Your client was on natural support & has taken a double dose of his 9 PM medications when you arrive. You are unsure what medications were taken & how to proceed.
Call Pager.
Billy Bob returns home from a doctor’s appointment with a new medication prescribed by the physician. When should staff inform the CF/pager about new medications?
Immediately. Staff should notify the CF/on-call pager before administering the medication
Your brain is about 75% water.
FACT- Water is crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance, neurotransmitter transport, and ion gradients that allow neurons to fire and communicate effectively.
Just as Chewbacca is covered in fur to stay warm, humans have this many hair follicles on their bodies?
(The same amount as a chimpanzee.)
What is 5 million?!
Lody Dody has stopped attending favorite activities for a week, but no one documents the change. How could we have prevented this?
By communicating concerns early to CF, documenting the baseline change via HP DSN, and checking in on Lody Dody’s emotional and physical wellness every shift.
Your client is complaining about pain in her chest in the middle of the night. You ask her how bad is the pain? She tells you a 2 out of 10, but you observe her struggling to breath, low energy, and slurred speech.
Call pager & 911
What is a PRN?
PRN, which stands "as needed," is a flexible approach for clients to manage symptoms like pain, anxiety, and nausea without adhering to a fixed medication schedule.
Swallowed chewing gum stays in your stomach for 7 years.
Myth: It passes through your system just like anything else, though the base isn't digestible.
Yoda is famously short, but humans actually change height throughout the day! Because of gravity, you are about 1 centimeter taller at this time of day than in the evening.
What is the Morning. (Your spine decompresses while you lie down).
Shirley says they feel dizzy during a walk, but staff encourages them to “push through it.” Is this, okay?
No. Staff should stop the activity, monitor Shirley’s symptoms, and assess whether additional support or medical attention is needed. and notify CF/ Pager immediately
Oh no! You arrive on shift & you see your client is out of her 10 PM medications! There are no back up medications!
Call Pager!
Billy Bob is dealing with a really bad cold. He has a really runny nose and sore throat. He asked his staff to take him to the local CVS to pick up some Dayquil to help relieve his symptoms. Is this okay to do?
What is no, because all medications must first be approved by a physician and/or conservator before staff can administer them.
Bacteria needs at least five seconds to transfer from the floor to a piece of dropped food.
Myth. Bacteria can attach to food almost instantly. Moisture and surface type (like tile vs. carpet) matter more than the clock.
Who should staff contact after hours if there are urgent medical needs or concerns?
Managing CF during business hours (M-F 9 am-5 pm) after business hours PAGER or E-PAGE.
Kiki says they feel overwhelmed at a crowded event, but staff says, “we already paid to be here, we will leave later." is this okay?
No. Staff should recognize Kiki’s emotional wellness needs and help them access support or a quieter environment if needed immediately.
Your are about to end your shift, the staff arriving the relieve you seems to be in a bad mood, is appearing hostile towards you, and you do not feel safe leaving the client alone with them. You are unsure if pager would want you to call them for something you deem to be silly. :(
CALL PAGER
What should staff do if a medication label does not match the client’s current prescription listed on QSP?
Before giving the medication, staff should stop and contact CF/Pager immediately then follow up with pharmacy, advice nurse, or PCP for clarification.
It is dangerous to hold in a sneeze by pinching your nose.
Holding in a sneeze creates massive pressure in your nasal passages that can (rarely) damage eardrums or blood vessels. Let it out!
What is a mandated reporter?
Staff are legally required to immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a client, even if they are unsure whether it occurred.
Staff notices another staff member speaking harshly to a client but stays quiet to avoid conflict. Is this, okay?
Failure to report inappropriate support practices can lead to disciplinary action and may impact client health, safety, and wellbeing.
You notice that your clients medications that she takes at 2 PM looks off, it may have been tampered with but you can't tell. You do not feel comfortable giving this to your client, but its the last dose.