Case Study

You are working in a residential setting and have been asked to give a prescribed medicine to an elderly gentleman names Bert. When you take the medicine to him he refuses to take it and says that it makes him sleepy and confused. When you move towards Bert to encourage him to take the medicine he knocks the pot out of your hand and the tablet falls onto the floor.

• What will you do with the tablet on the floor?
• What should you do about the fact that Bert has not had his prescribed medicine?
• What, if anything, should you do about Bert’s claims that the medicine is causing unwanted side-effects?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.