MACE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MACE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is a common side effect of antihypertensive drugs? → Dizziness or lightheadedness
2. When observing a resident for the effects of their medications, which of the following is an example of an objective observation? → The resident's respiratory rate is 14 breaths per minute.
3. Which of the following is an example of a Medication Aide maintaining professional boundaries? → Politely declining a resident's invitation to their family dinner outside of work hours.
4. Which class of drugs is used to reduce pain? → Analgesics
5. Which of the following tasks is considered outside the scope of practice for a certified Medication Aide? → Calculating the dosage for a liquid antibiotic based on the resident's weight.
6. A resident is ordered a medication to be administered via the buccal route. The Medication Aide should place the tablet: → between the cheek and the gum.
7. A resident taking an opioid analgesic for chronic pain complains of constipation. This is a known common side effect of which drug classification? → Opioid analgesics
8. What is the purpose of antibiotics? → To kill or inhibit bacteria
9. What is the recommended room temperature range for storing most oral medications? → 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)
10. Why is hand hygiene important? → To prevent the spread of infections
11. A medication order for a resident reads: "Administer one tablet QID." How should the Medication Aide interpret this frequency? → Four times a day
12. How long can an opened multi-dose vial (MDV) typically be used safely after first use, according to standard guidelines? → 28 days, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise
13. Why is patient education important? → To empower and inform patients
14. Why are accurate dosage calculations important? → To ensure safety and effectiveness
15. What does the term 'half-life' refer to in pharmacology? → Time for half the drug to be eliminated
16. What is empathy in patient care? → Understanding and sharing patient feelings
17. Which of the following medication classes works by reducing stomach acid production and is commonly used to treat conditions like GERD and peptic ulcers? → Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
18. After administering a new medication for anxiety to a resident, you observe that they have become unusually drowsy and confused. This effect is known as a(n): → Side effect
19. Why is patient dignity important? → To help patients feel valued and safe
20. When preparing to administer 4 mL of a liquid cough syrup, which of the following is the MOST accurate measuring device to use? → An oral syringe marked in 0.2 mL increments
21. The 'Five Rights' of medication administration are a fundamental principle of safety. Which of the following is NOT one of the standard 'Five Rights'? → Right Diagnosis
22. What is the main goal of infection control? → To prevent the spread of infections
23. Which of the following medications typically requires refrigeration for storage? → Insulin
24. A Medication Aide is preparing to administer lisinopril, a medication with the suffix '-pril'. This suffix is characteristic of which drug class? → ACE inhibitors
25. Why is it important to know drug classifications? → To understand actions, uses, and side effects
26. Which of the following is NOT one of the 'Six Rights' of medication administration? → Right Diagnosis
27. Nitroglycerin tablets must be stored in what type of container to maintain potency? → An original dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting cap
28. What tool is used for measuring small liquid doses accurately? → Oral syringe
29. When transferring medications from bulk stock to a resident's individual supply, which step is most critical? → Verifying and transferring the original label information accurately to the new container
30. What is the purpose of patient-centered care? → To focus on individual patient needs