Pharmacology Fundamentals Flashcards

Which of the following is a common side effect of many narcotic pain medications that nurse aides should monitor for in residents?

Answer: Constipation

Narcotic analgesics slow gastrointestinal motility, frequently leading to constipation in residents receiving these medications.

A resident's medication is labeled 'topical.' How is this medication administered?

Answer: Applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes

Topical medications are applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes for local or systemic effects.

What does the term 'adverse drug reaction' (ADR) refer to?

Answer: A harmful or unintended response to a medication at a normal dose

An adverse drug reaction is an unintended, harmful response that occurs at doses normally used for therapeutic purposes.

A nurse aide finds a medication on the floor in the hallway. What is the correct action?

Answer: Report it to the nurse and follow facility disposal protocol

Found medications must be reported immediately and disposed of according to facility protocol to prevent accidental ingestion or diversion.

Which of the following is the correct way to handle a medication error after it has occurred?

Answer: Report it immediately to the nurse and complete an incident report

Immediate reporting and completing an incident report ensures prompt treatment of the resident and proper documentation for safety review.

A resident on diuretic therapy should be monitored closely for which of the following?

Answer: Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration

Diuretics increase urine output, which can cause electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, especially in elderly residents.

What is the significance of the expiration date on a medication label?

Answer: It marks the date after which the medication may no longer be safe or effective

After the expiration date, a medication's potency or safety cannot be guaranteed, and it should not be administered.