Mixed Deck — All MACE Topics Flashcards

A resident refuses their scheduled medication. The medication aide should:

Answer: Document the refusal and report it to the supervising nurse

Resident refusal must be documented on the MAR and reported to the nurse to ensure appropriate follow-up.

Controlled substances must be counted:

Answer: At the end of every shift by two licensed staff

Controlled substances require a witnessed count by two authorized staff at every shift change to prevent diversion.

In what condition of drug toxicity do levels of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine increase?

Answer: Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity is primarily caused by the accumulation of a highly reactive and toxic metabolite called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). Normally, NAPQI is detoxified by glutathione, but in overdose situations, glutathione stores become depleted. This leads to NAPQI binding to liver cell proteins, causing widespread hepatocellular necrosis and severe liver damage.

Which observation suggests a resident may be experiencing a side effect from a beta-blocker medication?

Answer: Heart rate of 52 beats per minute

Beta-blockers slow the heart rate, so bradycardia (low heart rate, under 60 bpm) is a common and notable side effect.

What is the primary purpose of an enteric coating on a tablet?

Answer: To prevent dissolution in the stomach and release medication in the intestine

Enteric coatings protect the medication from stomach acid and delay release until the tablet reaches the small intestine.

Which condition results from abrupt discontinuation of long-term corticosteroid therapy?

Answer: Adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis)

Abrupt steroid withdrawal suppresses adrenal function, causing adrenal insufficiency with fatigue, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalances.

Which action by a medication aide constitutes medication diversion?

Answer: Taking unused resident medications home

Taking controlled or any resident medications for personal use is medication diversion, a criminal offense that leads to license revocation.

A resident on warfarin reports blood in the urine and prolonged bleeding from a small cut. What type of reaction is occurring?

Answer: Toxic/overdose reaction

Hematuria and prolonged bleeding in a patient on warfarin indicate excessive anticoagulation, a toxic reaction from the drug's pharmacologic action.

To push the fluid out of a syringe, which part is pushed?

Answer: Plunger

The plunger is the movable rod within the barrel of a syringe. When the plunger is pushed, it creates pressure that expels the fluid, or medication, out through the needle. Conversely, pulling the plunger draws fluid into the syringe.

Which of these vitamins is deficient in pernicious anemia?

Answer: Vitamin B12

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition characterized by a deficiency in Vitamin B12 (cobalamin). This deficiency occurs because the body fails to produce intrinsic factor, a protein essential for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Without adequate Vitamin B12, the body cannot properly produce healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia and potential neurological issues.

A medication aide accidentally gives the wrong medication to a resident. The first action should be:

Answer: Notify the nurse immediately and document the error

Immediate notification of the nurse allows prompt clinical assessment of the resident and initiation of any needed interventions.

Which of the following abbreviations means 'three times a day'?

Answer: TID

TID is the standard medical abbreviation for the Latin phrase 'ter in die,' which means three times a day. QID means four times a day, BID means twice a day, and PRN means as needed.

A resident experiences sudden onset of facial drooping, arm weakness on one side, and slurred speech. The medication aide should recognize this as:

Answer: Signs of a stroke requiring emergency response

Sudden facial drooping, unilateral arm weakness, and speech difficulty are hallmark signs of stroke requiring immediate emergency (911) response.

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.

Which suffix means 'pertaining to'?

Answer: -ic

-Ic is a common suffix meaning pertaining to, as in cardiac (pertaining to the heart).

Which of the following is the primary purpose of 'five rights' verification in medication administration?

Answer: To prevent medication errors and ensure resident safety

The five rights (right resident, drug, dose, route, time) are a safety checklist designed to prevent medication administration errors.

A resident refuses their scheduled medication. What is the correct first action for the medication aide?

Answer: Document the refusal and notify the nurse

Resident refusals must be documented and reported to the supervising nurse immediately.

When a resident's skin turns yellow (jaundiced) while taking acetaminophen regularly, the medication aide should recognize this as a possible sign of:

Answer: Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)

Jaundice indicates elevated bilirubin from liver damage (hepatotoxicity), a serious adverse effect of acetaminophen overdose or chronic overuse.

What is the trade name for triazolam?

Answer: Halcion

The trade name for triazolam is Halcion. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine medication primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Halcion is its well-known brand name, often prescribed to help individuals fall asleep quickly.

When administering medications, why should medication assistants follow the six rights of medication administration?

Answer: All of the above

Medication assistants must follow the six rights of medication administration (Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Right Documentation) because any of these parameters can change at any time. Recent changes in dosage, route, or time are common, and failing to verify each right before administration can lead to serious medication errors, compromising client comfort and safety. Adhering to all six rights is essential for preventing harm and ensuring accurate medication delivery.