What is an important factor to assess before administering medication to a resident?

The ability to swallow is crucial to assess before administering medication to a resident because it directly impacts the effectiveness and safety of the medication delivery. If a resident cannot swallow, they may choke, inhale the medication into the lungs, or not absorb the medication effectively, leading to potential health complications. Ensuring that a resident has adequate swallowing ability not only helps prevent these risks but also allows for the appropriate choice of medication formulation—such as pills, liquids, or chewables—tailored to the resident’s capabilities.

While other factors like the ability to follow instructions, history of medication adherence, and previous allergic reactions are also important in medication management, they do not address the immediate physical capability to safely take medication. Assessing swallowing ability is a fundamental step in ensuring that the resident can receive their medications safely and effectively.