Medication Storage and Handling 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 Storage and Handling flashcards as text
Nitroglycerin tablets must be stored in what type of container to maintain potency?
Answer: An original dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting cap
Nitroglycerin is highly sensitive to light, air, heat, and moisture, requiring storage in the original dark (amber) glass bottle with a tight cap to prevent degradation.
What is the first step a medication aide should take upon discovering a discrepancy in the controlled substance count?
Answer: Report the discrepancy immediately to the supervisor or nurse in charge
Controlled substance discrepancies must be reported immediately to the supervisor or charge nurse, as they may indicate diversion or a documentation error requiring prompt investigation.
How long can an opened multi-dose vial (MDV) typically be used safely after first use, according to standard guidelines?
Answer: 28 days, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise
CDC guidelines recommend discarding multi-dose vials 28 days after first use unless the manufacturer specifies a shorter beyond-use date.
Which piece of information is NOT required on a resident's medication container label in a long-term care facility?
Answer: The cost of the medication
The cost of the medication is not a required label element; required information includes the resident's name, drug name and strength, dose, directions, and prescribing physician.
What is the safest practice when measuring liquid oral medications?
Answer: Pour at eye level into a calibrated medicine cup on a flat surface
Liquid medications should be poured into a calibrated medicine cup, read at eye level at the meniscus, on a flat surface to ensure accurate dosing.
If medications arrive from the pharmacy with visibly damaged or compromised packaging, what is the correct action?
Answer: Return them to the pharmacy and document the issue
Damaged packaging may compromise medication integrity and sterility; the medications should be returned to the pharmacy and the issue documented per facility policy.
What distinguishes a medication refrigerator from a standard food refrigerator in a care facility?
Answer: It is dedicated solely to medications and has a monitored, logged temperature
Medication refrigerators must be dedicated to medications only (no food) and must have documented temperature monitoring logs to ensure consistent storage conditions.