When assessing a patient's last medication, which action should be prioritized?

Prioritizing the provision of therapeutic help when assessing a patient's last medication is essential for ensuring the patient's immediate health and well-being. This action addresses any potential complications or side effects that may arise from the medication. It leans toward actively providing the necessary interventions that can alleviate adverse reactions, manage symptoms, or adjust care plans based on the patient's current status.

Therapeutic help can encompass a wide range of actions, including administering appropriate medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing comfort measures. By focusing on the patient's current clinical needs, healthcare professionals can promptly address any issues that arise from the last medication taken, thereby enhancing patient safety and outcomes.

In this context, while contacting social services, explaining to family, or assisting the IV team may have their importance in specific situations, they do not address the immediate health implications related to the patient's latest medication. Therefore, they become secondary to the direct provision of necessary care and support for managing the patient's condition.