From Holiday Hangovers to Medication Monitoring: Medication Aids Recognizing Side Effects
- Lynn Johnston
- Jan 11
- 2 min read
We’ve all been there. The holiday season ends, and suddenly we’re feeling the "side effects" of all that celebration: a little extra weight, persistent fatigue, and maybe a bit of a sluggish brain.
While our holiday sluggishness usually fades with a few early bedtimes and some salad, for the residents we care for, medication side effects can be much more serious—and harder to spot. As medication aides, we are the "eyes and ears" for the medical team.
Start with the "Big Three"
Most medications, regardless of what they are treating, share a common set of potential side effects. These are often digestive because the body is processing a foreign substance. Always watch for:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
If a resident suddenly loses their appetite or seems "off" at mealtime, it might not be the food—it might be their meds.
Specific Meds, Specific Risks
Beyond the general "upset stomach," certain classes of drugs have "signature" side effects. For example, if you are administering Penicillin or other antibiotics, you need to be on high alert for allergic reactions, which often manifest as rashes or hives.
When the Medicine Works "Too Well"
One of the most important things to remember is that the most common side effect is often the medication doing its job a little too efficiently.
Blood Pressure Meds: Can cause the blood pressure to drop too low, leading to dizziness or fainting.
Diabetes Meds: Can cause blood sugar to crash, leading to shakiness, confusion, or sweating.
A Lesson from My Own Experience: The "Yellow" Scare
I learned firsthand how surprising side effects can be. Last year, my skin started turning a distinct shade of yellow. My provider was so concerned about my liver health that they sent me for an urgent liver scan!
The culprit? It wasn't my liver at all. I had been taking a high-dose supplement of Lutein for my eye health. A harmless but startling side effect of high-dose Lutein is yellowing of the skin. It taught me a valuable lesson: Always check the known side effects of every supplement and medication a resident is taking.
What to Do if You Suspect a Side Effect
If you think a client is reacting poorly to a medication, your quick action is vital.
1. The "Red Zone" (Call 911)
If the side effect is life-threatening or urgent, do not wait. Call 911 immediately for:
Anaphylactic Shock: Swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing, or a rapid pulse.
Dangerously Low Blood Sugar: Unconsciousness or extreme confusion.
Dangerously Low Blood Pressure: Severe dizziness or loss of consciousness.
2. The "Yellow Zone" (Notify Supervisor)
For side effects that are concerning but not immediately life-threatening—such as a new rash, persistent diarrhea, or mild lethargy—follow your agency’s specific guidelines. This usually involves:
Documenting the observation clearly.
Notifying your supervisor or the on-call nurse immediately.
Remember: You don't have to be a doctor to save a life; you just have to be an observant medication aide!
Action Steps
If you see... | Action to Take |
Life-Threatening: Trouble breathing, throat swelling, or loss of consciousness. | CALL 911 |
Urgent: New rash/hives, sudden confusion, or severe dizziness. | Notify Supervisor Immediately |
Non-Urgent: Mild nausea, dry mouth, or slight fatigue. | Document & Report per agency policy at end of shift. |
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