In what scenario should a nurse review a client’s medication compliance?

Reviewing a client’s medication compliance is particularly important when there is an increase in reported symptoms or side effects. This scenario indicates a potential issue with how effectively the client is taking their medications. An increase in symptoms could suggest that the client is not adhering to the prescribed regimen or may not be experiencing the intended therapeutic effects of the medication. By assessing compliance in this context, the nurse can determine if the medication needs to be adjusted, if the client requires additional education on how to take the medication properly, or if there are other underlying issues affecting the client’s health.

In contrast, while reviewing medication compliance during hospitalization, though important, may not capture the ongoing compliance of a client’s overall health management strategy. Requesting a medication change is not a proactive approach to monitoring adherence, and routine checks at every visit, while beneficial, may not allow for targeted assessment based on specific concerns like increased symptoms. This highlights that compliance review should be context-driven rather than a blanket practice.