If the medication order reads Amoxicillin 250mg but the only medicine available is Amoxicillin 100mg tablets, what should the medication aide do?

The medication aide should ask the supervisor or charge nurse to calculate the correct dose when the prescribed medication is not available in the appropriate dosage. This action ensures patient safety and adherence to established protocols. The supervisor or charge nurse holds the authority and expertise to determine the appropriate alternative or dosage adjustments needed based on the specific situation, including considering the patient's health condition, any potential drug interactions, and the exact prescribed dosage.

Consulting with a supervisor also protects the medication aide legally and ethically, ensuring that proper guidelines are followed in medication administration. It prevents any potential miscalculations that could occur if the aide were to attempt to determine the correct dosage independently. By engaging with a higher authority, the aide confirms that the resident's medication therapy remains safe and effective.