What is the most important action for the practical nurse (PN) to take if an older resident is having difficulty hearing during medication administration?

The most important action in this situation is to determine if the client has had difficulty in the past. This approach not only addresses the immediate concern of medication administration but also provides valuable context about the client's hearing challenges. Understanding the resident's history with hearing difficulties can help tailor communication strategies that are most effective for them.

By knowing whether the client has consistently struggled with hearing or if this is a new issue, the nurse can better assess the overall situation and decide on the most appropriate communication method. Additionally, this information could inform future interactions and help establish rapport and trust, particularly with an older resident who may have other underlying conditions or experiences related to their hearing.

While speaking louder and slower might seem like a straightforward solution, it may not address the specific needs or preferences of the resident. Similarly, providing written instructions could be useful but only if the patient can read and understand them. Asking a family member to assist may also be beneficial, but this relies on the availability of family support and may not be the best solution if the resident is capable of understanding instructions given directly by the PN. Thus, gathering information on the client's past experiences with hearing difficulties ensures a more comprehensive and respectful approach to the situation.