CDS-E-S: Introduction to Medication Support

Lesson Descriptions and Learning Objectives

CDS-E-S: Introduction to Medication Support

This is a list of lessons found in this course with their description and learning objectives:

Lesson 1: CDS-E-S: An Overview of Direct Support Roles in Medication Support

Lesson Description:

Medications are part of modern life. Many people take medications. Some will need support in this area. It’s important to be knowledgeable about safe use of medications. This lesson helps DSPs understand good habits in medication use. It also describes some roles they may have in supporting people with medications.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Describe the importance of taking medications correctly.
  2. Describe good habits in the use of medication.
  3. Describe common barriers to getting the best possible benefits from medications.
  4. Describe how individual values and needs affect medication choices.
  5. Describe your roles and responsibilities as a direct support professional in providing medication support.
  6. Identify other people involved in medication support and their roles.

Lesson 2: CDS-E-S: Medication Basics

Lesson Description:

This lesson describes different types of medications. It describes why people take them and what medication errors are. The lesson reviews health and medication histories and how to complete them. You will learn about methods of identifying and tracking problems with medications. Finally, you will learn how to avoid errors when taking medications away from home.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Describe different kinds of medications, remedies, and nutritional supplements and why people take them.
  2. Define a medication error.
  3. Describe how, when, and why to complete a health and medication history.
  4. Describe why, when, and how to monitor for problem reactions to medication.
  5. Describe methods for reducing medication errors in all environments and at all times.

Lesson 3: CDS-E-S: Working with Medications

Lesson Description:

This lesson provides an overview of working with medications. You will practice reading medication labels for both prescription and nonprescription medications. You will review the five rights that indicate a medication has been taken properly and practice identifying errors. You will learn proper hand-washing and hygiene techniques to follow before working with medications. The lesson also reviews the storage and destruction of medications.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Describe the five steps that indicate that medications have been taken properly. (Five rights)
  2. Recognize medication errors
  3. Accurately read a prescription label and over-the-counter medication label.
  4. Describe the questions that are important to be answered before using new medications.
  5. Describe how to store medications properly.
  6. Demonstrate appropriate hand-washing and hygiene techniques.
  7. Describe situations in which a medication needs to be destroyed and how to destroy it.

Lesson 4: CDS-E-S: Administration of Medications and Treatments

Lesson Description:

This lesson reviews methods for correctly administering medications through five common routes (mouth, eyes, ears, nose, skin). Methods for preventing errors during administration, such as the "triple-check" of the label, are described. In addition, methods for helping people understand their medications are shared. Information is provided on what to do when people will not take their medications or use them in ways that are not intended.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Describe a Medication Administration Record and its purpose.
  2. Describe steps in preparing for medication administration.
  3. Describe the purpose of a "triple-check" and how it is to be performed.
  4. Demonstrate the correct technique for administering medications through five common routes (mouth, ears, eyes, nose, and skin).
  5. Describe what to do when a person does not take medications as recommended.
  6. Describe methods for helping people understand and use their medications correctly.

Lesson 5: CDS-E-S: Follow-Up, Communication, and Documentation of Medications

Lesson Description:

This lesson reviews the importance of good communication and follow-up. It shows medication-related situations that require communication. General documentation practices are provided and you will be prompted on how to get information from your employer regarding specific rules about giving medications. You will review and use a Medication Administration Record and reflects on potential abuse, neglect, and exploitation situations.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Describe why follow-up, communication, and documentation are important.
  2. Describe types of situations related to medication support that require documentation, follow-up, and communication.
  3. Describe the critical components of effective direct communication and written documentation.
  4. Correctly document medications as described on a medication administration record (MAR) and identify additional documentation, communication, or follow-up needed.
  5. Recognize and respond to situations related to medications that are potential abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Lesson 6: CDS-E-S: Using Medication References and Resources

Lesson Description:

This mini-lesson will help you to understand why you may want to check a reference regarding a drug or medication. The lesson describes several different medication resources. You are encouraged to reflect on the benefits of and drawbacks to using common references and sources. You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to use a reference when necessary.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Describe why you may want to check a reference regarding a drug or medication.
  2. Describe several different sources you could use to understand medications.
  3. Describe the benefits and limitations to some standard references and resources.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to use a reference when necessary.