When storing medications for an elderly client in a long-term care facility, what measure should be taken?

Keeping medications in their original package is essential for ensuring that patients receive the correct medication, as the original packaging contains vital information such as the name of the medication, dosage, expiration date, and specific storage instructions. This information is crucial, especially for elderly clients who may have complex medication regimens or cognitive challenges that make it difficult to remember medication details.

Relabeling medications can lead to confusion or mistakes in administration, as it may not reflect the necessary information or branding that healthcare professionals rely on. Storing medications at room temperature and placing all medications in a single drawer may also not be ideal because some medications require specific storage conditions, such as refrigeration, to maintain their efficacy. Therefore, it is critical to store medications as directed and to ensure that each medication is easily identifiable and accessible, particularly in the context of an elderly client who may have multiple prescriptions.