INACE Pharmacology Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident is prescribed a medication to be given 'PRN.' What does PRN mean?
- Before meals
- As needed (Correct answer)
- At bedtime
- Every morning
Correct answer: As needed
PRN is a Latin abbreviation for 'pro re nata,' meaning the medication is given as needed when a specific condition arises.
Question 2: Which of the following is the safest method for a nurse aide to identify a resident before giving medications?
- Ask the resident their name
- Check the room number
- Check the resident's ID bracelet and use two identifiers (Correct answer)
- Look at the resident's face
Correct answer: Check the resident's ID bracelet and use two identifiers
Using two identifiers such as checking the ID bracelet and verifying the name ensures the right resident receives the medication.
Question 3: A nurse aide notices a resident refuses to swallow a tablet and tries to hide it under their tongue. This behavior is called:
- Cheeking (Correct answer)
- Hoarding
- Aspiration
- Polypharmacy
Correct answer: Cheeking
Cheeking refers to hiding medication in the mouth rather than swallowing it, which can lead to missed doses or medication misuse.
Question 4: Which of the following describes a contraindication for a medication?
- The recommended dose for a drug
- A condition or factor that makes use of the drug inadvisable (Correct answer)
- The preferred route of administration
- The expected therapeutic effect
Correct answer: A condition or factor that makes use of the drug inadvisable
A contraindication is a specific situation where a medication should not be used because it may cause harm to the patient.
Question 5: When documenting medication administration, which information is most essential to record?
- The name of the pharmacist who dispensed the drug
- The resident's insurance provider
- The time, dose, route, and any resident response (Correct answer)
- The cost of the medication
Correct answer: The time, dose, route, and any resident response
Accurate documentation of time, dose, route, and resident response ensures continuity of care and legal accountability.
Question 6: A medication labeled 'otic' is intended for which route of administration?
- Eye
- Ear (Correct answer)
- Mouth
- Skin
Correct answer: Ear
Otic refers to the ear; otic medications are formulated specifically for ear canal administration.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes polypharmacy as it relates to elderly residents?
- Taking only one medication daily
- Using the same medication in multiple forms
- Taking multiple medications simultaneously, increasing risk of interactions (Correct answer)
- Administering medications at the same time every day
Correct answer: Taking multiple medications simultaneously, increasing risk of interactions
Polypharmacy in elderly residents involves the use of multiple medications concurrently, which raises the risk of adverse drug interactions.
INACE Pharmacology Fundamentals 2
A resident is prescribed a medication to be given 'PRN.' What does PRN mean?