MACE Medication Administration — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before administering a medication, which check must always be done first?
- Check the patient's temperature.
- Verify the medication against the order. (Correct answer)
- Ask the family about past medications.
- Prepare the medication tray.
Correct answer: Verify the medication against the order.
Verifying the correct medication against the order is essential to prevent medication errors.
Question 2: Which of the following represents a 'Right' in the 'Five Rights' of medication administration?
- Right pharmacy
- Right diagnosis
- Right route (Correct answer)
- Right provider
Correct answer: Right route
The 'Five Rights' are Right patient, Right drug, Right dose, Right route, and Right time.
Question 3: How should a medication aide respond to a patient who questions the appearance of a pill?
- Ignore the concern and administer anyway.
- Recheck the medication and clarify with the nurse. (Correct answer)
- Assume it’s a new generic brand.
- Tell the patient it’s the same as usual.
Correct answer: Recheck the medication and clarify with the nurse.
Patients should feel comfortable voicing concerns. Verifying the medication before proceeding is a crucial safety step.
Question 4: Why is documentation of medication administration important?
- It is optional in most cases.
- It only applies to controlled substances.
- It confirms the medication was administered safely. (Correct answer)
- It’s done weekly in long-term care.
Correct answer: It confirms the medication was administered safely.
Proper documentation prevents double dosing, ensures continuity of care, and provides legal protection.
Question 5: Which step is critical when pouring a liquid medication?
- Hold the cup at shoulder level.
- Pour while walking toward the patient.
- Read the dosage at eye level. (Correct answer)
- Use any household spoon for accuracy.
Correct answer: Read the dosage at eye level.
Reading the measurement at eye level prevents dosage inaccuracies and ensures safe administration.
Question 6: When should gloves be worn during medication administration?
- Only when giving oral tablets.
- For all injections and topical medications. (Correct answer)
- Never, unless the patient requests it.
- Only in emergency situations.
Correct answer: For all injections and topical medications.
Gloves should be worn when contact with body fluids is possible, such as applying topical medications or handling mucous membranes.
MACE Medication Administration
Before administering a medication, which check must always be done first?