MACE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MACE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A resident refuses their scheduled medication. What is the FIRST action the medication aide should take? → Document the refusal and notify the nurse
2. Which term describes a diminished drug response after repeated administration, requiring higher doses for the same effect? → Tolerance
3. When a patient, who is legally in charge of their treatment, declines to take medication, what is NOT an appropriate plan of action? → Make the patient take it regardless.
4. A resident taking an ACE inhibitor for hypertension develops a persistent dry cough. The medication aide should: → Report it to the nurse as a known adverse effect requiring possible medication change
5. The chewable tablet comprises the following base ingredients. → Mannitol
6. Which action best prevents medication errors during a busy medication pass? → Avoiding distractions and focusing on each resident
7. A medication aide finds an unlabeled medication cup at a resident's bedside. What is the correct action? → Discard it and prepare a new dose with proper labeling
8. Which action by a medication aide could constitute negligence? → Administering medication without verifying the patient's identity
9. Which document gives a designated person legal authority to make healthcare decisions for a resident who lacks decision-making capacity? → Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
10. Which medication requires blood glucose monitoring before administration? → Regular insulin
11. Which abbreviation on a medication order means 'immediately' or 'now'? → STAT
12. Which of these medication classes is related with the side effects of hyperkalemia and persistent dry cough? → ACE inhibitors
13. Which of the following is a sign of a potential allergic reaction to a medication? → Urticaria (hives) and itching
14. A medication aide notices that two residents have the same last name. What is the safest practice before administering medications? → Use two resident identifiers, such as name and date of birth
15. For a prolonged release, which shot is administered into the subcutaneous tissues? (Insulin) → Subcutaneous
16. A patient receiving a loop diuretic like furosemide should be monitored for which electrolyte imbalance? → Hypokalemia
17. What is the legal term for performing a healthcare procedure on a patient without their consent? → Assault and battery
18. Which abbreviation on a medication order indicates the medication should be given under the tongue? → SL
19. Which situation requires the medication aide to obtain a new authorization before proceeding? → Administering a medication that the nurse has just verbally added without updating the MAR
20. Which controlled substance schedule classification applies to medications with accepted medical use but high potential for abuse and dependence? → Schedule II
21. A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication. The medication aide should: → Document the refusal and notify the nurse
22. The medication aide must verify which three identifiers before giving medication to a resident? → Name, date of birth, and photo ID or wristband
23. A resident is prescribed digoxin. What assessment should be completed BEFORE giving each dose? → Apical pulse for one full minute
24. A resident takes their morning medications and then immediately vomits. What should the medication aide do? → Document what occurred and notify the nurse to determine next steps
25. Which medication functions as a proteasome inhibitor? → Bortezomib
26. A prescription reads 'Prednisone 20 mg PO daily.' What drug class is Prednisone? → Corticosteroid
27. A medication is labeled 'sublingual.' Where should it be administered? → Under the tongue
28. What is the correct action if a medication aide makes a medication error? → Report it immediately to the supervising nurse and document it per facility policy
29. Which document allows a competent adult to specify their healthcare wishes in the event they become unable to make decisions? → Advance directive
30. Which of the following is a correct principle regarding medication storage? → Keep medications in a locked area at the proper temperature