The nurse is taking a medication history on a client. What action by the nurse best reduces the possibility of adverse interactions?

Question

Assess the client’s ability to pay for medications . Assess the client’s nutritional status and preferred diet. Ask the client about the use of any complementary or alternative therapies. Perform a head-to-toe physical assessment.

Answer 1

To best reduce the possibility of adverse interactions during a medication history assessment, the most effective action by the nurse would be to ask the client about the use of any complementary or alternative therapies.

This action is crucial because many clients may use herbal supplements, vitamins, or other non-prescription products that can interact with prescribed medications. By identifying all substances the client is taking, including over-the-counter medications and alternative therapies, the nurse can better assess and manage the risk of potential drug interactions.