Medication Administration Flashcards

What does the term 'PRN' mean on a medication order?

Answer: Give as needed

PRN is a Latin abbreviation for 'pro re nata,' meaning the medication is given only when a specific condition or symptom arises.

Which action is MOST important when administering eye drops to a resident?

Answer: Pull down the lower eyelid to create a conjunctival sac

Pulling down the lower eyelid creates the conjunctival sac, the correct target for ophthalmic drops to avoid corneal damage.

A resident is ordered a nitroglycerin patch. The CMT notes an old patch is still in place. What should the CMT do?

Answer: Remove the old patch before applying the new one

Transdermal patches must be removed before a new one is applied to prevent overdose from stacking doses.

Which of the following best describes an adverse drug reaction (ADR)?

Answer: An unintended and harmful response to a medication at a normal dose

An ADR is an unintended, harmful response occurring at therapeutic doses and must be reported and documented promptly.

When a resident has difficulty swallowing tablets, the CMT should FIRST:

Answer: Contact the nurse to clarify whether the medication may be crushed

Some medications (e.g., extended-release, enteric-coated) must never be crushed; the nurse or pharmacist must approve before altering the dosage form.

The abbreviation 'BID' on a medication order means the drug should be given:

Answer: Twice daily

BID stands for 'bis in die,' meaning twice a day, typically spaced about 12 hours apart.

During medication administration, a CMT discovers a label is smudged and the drug name is unreadable. The correct action is to:

Answer: Set it aside and inform the nurse before giving anything

An unreadable label is a safety hazard; the CMT must stop and consult the nurse rather than guessing the medication identity.