DSP - Direct Support Professional Medication Administration and Support Questions and Answers Flashcards
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Read the first 6 DSP - Direct Support Professional Medication Administration and Support Questions and Answers flashcards as text
What is the correct procedure when a DSP makes a medication documentation error on a paper MAR?
Answer: Draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and initial and date it
A single line through the error followed by a correction, initials, and date preserves the original entry and maintains a legally compliant medical record.
A supported individual is prescribed an antiepileptic medication. What side effect should a DSP monitor for and report?
Answer: Unusual drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, or increased seizure frequency
Antiepileptic medications can cause neurological side effects including excessive drowsiness, confusion, and mood changes, which require medical evaluation if they occur.
Which of the following is an example of a DSP overstepping their medication administration scope of practice?
Answer: Adjusting a medication dose based on the DSP's personal judgment without a physician order
DSPs must administer medications exactly as ordered and never independently adjust doses, as doing so exceeds their scope of practice and can harm the individual.
When a supported individual is prescribed a psychiatric medication, why is consistency in daily administration especially important?
Answer: Missing doses can destabilize mood, increase symptoms, and potentially trigger a behavioral crisis
Psychiatric medications maintain therapeutic blood levels only with consistent daily administration, and missed doses can cause rapid mood or behavioral destabilization.
What training or authorization is typically required for a DSP to administer medications in a US state-licensed residential program?
Answer: Completion of a state-approved medication administration training program and demonstrated competency
Most US states require DSPs to complete a state-approved medication administration training course and demonstrate competency before they are authorized to give medications.
A supported individual is prescribed a topical cream to be applied to their skin. What should the DSP do before applying it?
Answer: Explain what the cream is for, get the individual's consent, and apply using gloves as directed
Informed consent, privacy, and proper technique — including gloves — are all required when administering topical medications to ensure the individual's rights and safety.