How might nursing assistants assist with medications?

Nursing assistants play a critical role in the healthcare team, but their responsibilities regarding medications are often defined by state regulations and the policies of the healthcare facility they work in. Assisting with medications generally includes tasks such as reminding patients to take their medications, preparing medication trays, and in some cases, helping patients to take oral medications.

Oral medications are the most common form of medication that nursing assistants may assist with. They may help residents take their prescribed oral medications by providing them with the correct doses at the right times, ensuring they understand what they are taking, and offering water or other assistance they may need to take the medications effectively.

This option recognizes the operational reality within which nursing assistants work, allowing them to contribute significantly to residents' medication management under the supervision of a licensed nurse or physician, emphasizing safety and adherence to prescribed treatment plans. The other options imply actions that either exceed the scope of a nursing assistant’s training or require advanced qualifications, thus confirming the appropriateness of the correct choice in this context.