Medication Safety 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 Safety flashcards as text
Which condition must be reported to the nurse BEFORE administering a cardiac medication?
Answer: Resident's pulse is below 60 beats per minute
Many cardiac medications such as digoxin are held if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm, as the drug can further slow the heart.
When removing a medication from a blister pack, the medication aide drops the pill on the floor. What should they do?
Answer: Discard it and obtain a replacement dose per facility policy
A dropped medication is considered contaminated and must be discarded; a replacement dose should be obtained following facility protocol.
An enteric-coated tablet is ordered for a resident. The medication aide should:
Answer: Give it whole without crushing or chewing
Enteric coatings protect the stomach or the drug itself; crushing or splitting destroys this protection and can cause harm.
What information should be confirmed on a medication label before administration? (Select best answer)
Answer: Drug name, dose, expiration date, and resident name
Before administering any medication, verify the drug name, dose, expiration date, and match it to the correct resident's MAR.
A resident is prescribed a medication patch. Where should used patches be disposed of?
Answer: Folded sticky-side together and disposed per facility hazardous waste policy
Used medication patches still contain active drug and must be folded sticky-side together and disposed of safely per facility policy to prevent accidental exposure.
Which of the following is an early sign of an allergic reaction to a medication?
Answer: Skin rash or hives
Skin rash or hives (urticaria) are common early signs of an allergic drug reaction that require immediate reporting to the nurse.
What is the correct action if the medication aide is unsure about a medication order?
Answer: Hold the medication and clarify with the nurse or pharmacist before giving
If there is any doubt about a medication order, the aide must withhold the medication and seek clarification from a nurse or pharmacist.