A nurse is educating an older adult client about safe medication practices. Which instruction should the nurse include in the education?

A. "Is it correct that you are here due to leg pain?": This is a closed-ended question that only confirms a specific detail. It limits the client’s opportunity to provide additional information or context about their condition.

B. "Do you have any family or friends with you?": This question addresses support systems, which is useful but does not elicit comprehensive information about the client’s health concerns or reason for seeking care.

C. "What brings you to the hospital today?": This open-ended question encourages the client to describe their primary concerns in their own words. It allows the nurse to gather a broad and detailed understanding of the client’s symptoms, history, and perspective.

D. "What medications have you taken recently?": This question provides specific information about pharmacological history but does not allow the client to share additional details about their current condition or health concerns.

A. You should store your medications in a medicine cabinet: Proper storage in a secure, dry, and cool location helps maintain medication effectiveness and prevents accidental ingestion, especially in older adults who may have memory or mobility limitations.

B. You can take medication up to 6 months past the expiration date: Taking expired medications can reduce effectiveness and potentially be unsafe. Clients should always adhere to expiration dates to ensure therapeutic efficacy.

C. You can place different medications in the same container: Mixing medications can lead to confusion, dosing errors, and potential chemical interactions. Each medication should be stored in its original labeled container.

D. You may keep medications for sleep at your bedside: Storing medications at the bedside increases the risk of accidental ingestion, misuse, or falling while reaching for them, and is generally unsafe for older adults.