DSP DSP - Direct Support Professional Medication Administration and Support Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following medications typically requires special handling as a controlled substance?
- Over-the-counter antacids
- Vitamins and dietary supplements
- Schedule II opioid pain medications (Correct answer)
- Topical moisturizing creams
Correct answer: Schedule II opioid pain medications
Schedule II opioids are controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and require strict count, documentation, and security procedures.
Question 2: A DSP notices that a supported individual's medication blister pack shows a different person's name on the label. What should the DSP do?
- Administer the medication since the pills look the same
- Hold the medication, do not administer it, and contact the supervisor and pharmacy immediately (Correct answer)
- Remove the label and rewrite the correct name
- Ask the individual if they recognize the pills
Correct answer: Hold the medication, do not administer it, and contact the supervisor and pharmacy immediately
A medication labeled for a different person must never be administered; the DSP must withhold it and notify the supervisor and pharmacy immediately to resolve the labeling error.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a Medication Administration Record (MAR)?
- To record staff work schedules
- To document every medication given, refused, or missed for each individual (Correct answer)
- To list medications that are currently out of stock
- To track pharmacy delivery dates
Correct answer: To document every medication given, refused, or missed for each individual
The MAR is a legal document that records all medication administrations, refusals, and omissions, providing a complete and accurate medication history for each individual.
Question 4: Which observation should a DSP immediately report to a healthcare provider after administering a new medication?
- The individual fell asleep at their normal bedtime
- The individual developed a rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling after taking the medication (Correct answer)
- The individual asked what the medication is for
- The individual drank a glass of water after swallowing the pill
Correct answer: The individual developed a rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling after taking the medication
Rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling may indicate an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate healthcare provider notification.
Question 5: What does 'medication self-administration' mean in the context of DSP support?
- A DSP takes the medication on behalf of the individual
- The supported individual manages and takes their own medications with the level of supervision determined by their support plan (Correct answer)
- Staff administer all medications without involvement from the individual
- Medications are placed in food for automatic intake
Correct answer: The supported individual manages and takes their own medications with the level of supervision determined by their support plan
Medication self-administration means the individual takes their own medications, with the degree of DSP oversight based on the individual's assessed ability and their support plan.
Question 6: Why must DSPs avoid crushing or splitting medications without a specific physician or pharmacist order to do so?
- Crushing medications makes them harder to swallow
- Some medications are extended-release or enteric-coated, and altering them can be dangerous or reduce effectiveness (Correct answer)
- Splitting pills increases the cost of medications
- It creates more paperwork for staff
Correct answer: Some medications are extended-release or enteric-coated, and altering them can be dangerous or reduce effectiveness
Extended-release and enteric-coated medications are designed to release the drug at a specific rate or location, and crushing or splitting them can cause dangerous over-dosing or loss of effectiveness.
DSP DSP - Direct Support Professional Medication Administration and Support Questions and Answers 2
Which of the following medications typically requires special handling as a controlled substance?