CMA Patient Safety Protocols 2

Question 1

A medication aide finds that a resident's MAR lists a dose that differs from the label on the pharmacy-supplied blister pack. What should the aide do first?

Accepted Answer

Hold the medication and notify the charge nurse to clarify the order

Answer

Any discrepancy between the order, MAR, and label must be clarified by the licensed nurse before administration.

Question 2

Which pair of identifiers is acceptable for confirming a resident's identity before giving medications?

Accepted Answer

Full name and date of birth

Answer

Two person-specific identifiers such as name and birth date are required; room numbers are never acceptable identifiers.

Question 3

A resident with dementia removes her wristband and answers to any name. What is the safest way for the medication aide to verify identity?

Accepted Answer

Compare the resident to a current photo on the MAR and confirm with a staff member who knows her

Answer

For residents who cannot self-identify, facilities use a current photo plus confirmation by staff who know the resident.

Question 4

Before giving a scheduled dose of digoxin, the aide obtains an apical pulse of 54 beats per minute. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Hold the dose and report the pulse to the nurse per facility parameters

Answer

Digoxin is typically held when the apical pulse is below 60, and the nurse must be notified.

Question 5

A resident tells the medication aide, "That pill looks different from the one I usually take." What should the aide do?

Accepted Answer

Stop, recheck the order and label, and consult the nurse or pharmacist before giving it

Answer

A resident questioning a medication is a safety signal that requires rechecking before administration.

CMA - Certified Medical Aide Practice Test

CMA - Certified Medical Aide Practice Test

CMA Patient Safety Protocols 2