Medication Safety Flashcards

A resident receives a medication that looks different than usual. What should the medication aide do FIRST?

Answer: Contact the nurse before giving the medication

Any change in a medication's appearance should be reported to the nurse before administration to prevent medication errors.

Which of the following is a 'five rights' of medication administration?

Answer: Right route

The five rights include right resident, right drug, right dose, right time, and right route.

When should a medication aide wash their hands in relation to medication administration?

Answer: Before and after each resident's medications

Hand hygiene must be performed before and after administering medications to each resident to prevent cross-contamination.

A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication. The medication aide should:

Answer: Document the refusal and notify the nurse

Residents have the right to refuse medications; the aide must document the refusal and inform the nurse.

Which action best prevents medication errors during a busy medication pass?

Answer: Avoiding distractions and focusing on each resident

Minimizing distractions and focusing on one resident at a time is the best strategy to prevent medication errors.

What does the abbreviation 'PRN' mean on a medication order?

Answer: Administer as needed

PRN stands for 'pro re nata,' a Latin term meaning 'as needed,' indicating the medication is given only when required.

If a medication aide makes a medication error, what is the correct immediate action?

Answer: Notify the nurse immediately and document the error

Medication errors must be reported to the nurse immediately so the resident can be assessed and an incident report filed.