JBL EMT Practice Exam

When treating a patient who takes numerous medications, you should:

1. Send a list of medications with a family member

2. Take the medications with you to the hospital

3. Let hospital staff retrieve medical records

4. Document the medications but leave them at home

The correct answer is: Send a list of medications with a family member

When treating a patient who takes numerous medications, it is crucial to send a list of medications with a family member. This is important because having a comprehensive list of the patient's medications helps ensure continuity of care, prevents potential drug interactions, and enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions about the patient's treatment. Sending the list of medications with a family member ensures that this vital information is readily available to the medical team, even if the patient is unable to communicate or remember all the details. While documenting the medications is important, leaving them at home (option D) can hinder the medical team's ability to fully understand the patient's medication regimen. Taking the medications with you to the hospital (option B) may not be necessary and can also increase the risk of medication errors or loss. Letting hospital staff retrieve medical records (option C) may not always provide real-time and accurate information about the medications the patient is currently taking. Therefore, sending a list of medications with a family member is the most appropriate and efficient way to ensure the patient receives safe and effective care.