Medication Concepts and Calculations Flashcards
7 cards from real MACE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medication Concepts and Calculations flashcards as text
The order reads 'metoprolol 25 mg PO BID.' Available are 12.5 mg tablets. How many tablets are given per dose?
Answer: 2 tablets
25 mg ÷ 12.5 mg per tablet = 2 tablets per dose.
Which medication storage condition is most likely to cause degradation of heat-sensitive medications?
Answer: Exposing to direct sunlight and high heat
Heat and direct sunlight can break down heat-sensitive medications, reducing their efficacy or creating harmful byproducts.
A resident refuses to take a scheduled medication. What is the FIRST action the medication aide should take?
Answer: Document the refusal and notify the nurse
Residents have the right to refuse medications; the aide must document the refusal and report it to the supervising nurse.
Which term describes the process by which a drug is broken down by the liver into metabolites?
Answer: Metabolism
Metabolism (biotransformation) is the process by which the liver enzymatically converts drugs into metabolites for easier elimination.
A resident weighing 154 lbs is prescribed a drug at 2 mg/kg. What is the correct dose in milligrams?
Answer: 140 mg
154 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 70 kg; 70 kg × 2 mg/kg = 140 mg.
Which of the following medications requires a medication aide to check the resident's apical pulse before administration?
Answer: Digoxin
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside; if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm, the dose should be withheld and the nurse notified.
What is the meaning of the abbreviation 'NPO' on a medication administration record?
Answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO stands for 'nil per os,' a Latin phrase meaning nothing by mouth, including medications unless otherwise specified.