Regarding self-administration of medications, which statement is correct?

• A. They may self-administer any medication.
• B. They must not self-administer medications prescribed by the physician.
• C. They must not self-administer medications not prescribed by the physician.
• D. They must always follow caregiver instructions.

Answer: (C)

Self-administration of medications must follow medical authorization. Medications that have not been prescribed for the patient are not automatically safe to take. They can cause harmful interactions with current treatments, incorrect dosing, or allergic reactions that a clinician has not evaluated. Prescribed medications, with a specified dose, route, and schedule, are appropriate for self-administration under proper instructions. While caregiver guidance is important, it cannot authorize taking anything that hasn’t been prescribed by a physician. The safe rule is that the patient should not self-administer medications that were not prescribed by the physician.