Mismatch

A doctor calls to prescribe meds. The doctor wants to know if BH is taking X (a general antihistamine) or Y (a drying agent). I read the master list of medicines that he’s taking and see neither X nor Y on the list, and I tell the doctor what is listed. She says that none of the meds on the master list are general antihistamines or drying agents, and that I should go buy X and fill her prescription for Y. I go buy X and fill the prescription for Y. The attendants and I give X and Y to BH.

The next day, I am looking at the list of daily instructions to the attendants in order to add X and Y to the list, when I see that a general antihistamine and a drying agent are already being given to BH—even though that general antihistamine and that drying agent aren’t listed on the master list of meds. That means that, in giving him X and Y the day before, we may have overmedicated him—giving him two general antihistamines and two drying agents. Overmedication can lead to rebound effects. Not good.

I compare the master list to the daily instructions and find that four medicines he takes every day aren’t on the master list.

I place three calls to the doctor. She never calls back.