Medication Knowledge Flashcards

Which medication is classified as a controlled substance Schedule II, indicating a high potential for abuse?

Answer: Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high abuse and addiction potential.

A patient receiving a loop diuretic like furosemide should be monitored for which electrolyte imbalance?

Answer: Hypokalemia

Loop diuretics cause significant potassium loss through urine, leading to hypokalemia.

What does the term 'therapeutic index' refer to?

Answer: The ratio between a drug's toxic dose and its effective dose

The therapeutic index measures the safety margin of a drug — a narrow index means toxic and effective doses are close together.

Which of the following is an example of a medication interaction where one drug increases the effect of another?

Answer: Alcohol enhancing the sedative effect of benzodiazepines

Alcohol is a CNS depressant that potentiates the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, increasing risk of respiratory depression.

When applying a topical cream, the medication aide should use which technique to avoid skin irritation and cross-contamination?

Answer: A cotton swab or gloved finger

Gloves or applicators protect both the resident's skin and the medication aide from contamination.

A resident is on phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control. Which oral hygiene finding is a known side effect of this drug?

Answer: Gingival hyperplasia

Phenytoin commonly causes gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) with long-term use.

Which of the following best describes an 'idiosyncratic' drug reaction?

Answer: An unpredictable reaction unique to the individual patient

Idiosyncratic reactions are rare, unpredictable responses not related to dose or known drug mechanisms, often linked to genetic factors.