IHSS Medication & Health Monitoring 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is an example of a CONTROLLED substance that an IHSS provider must handle with extra caution?
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Oxycodone (a prescription opioid) (Correct answer)
- Vitamin C supplements
- Antacid tablets
Correct answer: Oxycodone (a prescription opioid)
Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance with strict legal regulations governing its handling and storage.
Question 2: A recipient has a patch medication (transdermal patch) that needs to be changed. What is an important safety step?
- Apply the new patch on top of the old one for continuity
- Remove the old patch before applying the new one in a different location (Correct answer)
- Leave the old patch on until it falls off naturally
- Soak the patch in water before removal to loosen adhesive
Correct answer: Remove the old patch before applying the new one in a different location
The old patch must be removed and discarded properly before applying a new patch to a different skin site to prevent overdose.
Question 3: A recipient asks you to pick up their prescription from the pharmacy. This task is:
- Always prohibited for IHSS providers
- Allowed only if specifically authorized in the IHSS care plan (Correct answer)
- Allowed for any provider as a common courtesy task
- Requires a pharmacist's written permission first
Correct answer: Allowed only if specifically authorized in the IHSS care plan
Picking up prescriptions is a supportive task that must be specifically authorized in the recipient's care plan to be within the provider's role.
Question 4: A recipient's oxygen saturation (SpO2) reads 88%. This is:
- Normal; no action is needed
- Slightly below normal; monitor and report to supervisor
- A medical emergency requiring immediate action (Correct answer)
- Only concerning if the reading is below 80%
Correct answer: A medical emergency requiring immediate action
An SpO2 below 90% is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate action, including calling 911.
Question 5: What should a provider do with expired medications found in the home?
- Flush them down the toilet immediately
- Notify the recipient and suggest they consult their pharmacist for proper disposal (Correct answer)
- Throw them in the regular trash to dispose of them quickly
- Continue using them until a new prescription is filled
Correct answer: Notify the recipient and suggest they consult their pharmacist for proper disposal
Providers should inform the recipient and recommend consulting a pharmacist, as safe disposal methods vary by medication type.
Question 6: A recipient is prescribed eye drops for glaucoma. When assisting, you should ensure the dropper tip:
- Touches the eyeball to ensure the drop lands correctly
- Does not touch any surface to prevent contamination (Correct answer)
- Is rinsed with water between uses
- Is shared between both eyes to save medication
Correct answer: Does not touch any surface to prevent contamination
The dropper tip must never touch the eye or any surface to prevent contamination and infection.
Question 7: A recipient reports a new symptom: their ankles are swelling significantly. As an IHSS provider, you should:
- Elevate their feet and see if it goes away on its own
- Document the observation and report it to your supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Adjust their fluid intake to reduce swelling
- Assume it is normal for their age and continue with your tasks
Correct answer: Document the observation and report it to your supervisor immediately
New or worsening symptoms like significant edema must be documented and reported to a supervisor promptly, as it may indicate a serious condition.
IHSS Medication & Health Monitoring 3
Which of the following is an example of a CONTROLLED substance that an IHSS provider must handle with extra caution?