Observing and Reporting Effects 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 Observing and Reporting Effects flashcards as text
A resident taking a diuretic medication begins to complain of muscle cramps and weakness. What electrolyte imbalance should the medication aide suspect and report?
Answer: Hypokalemia
Diuretics often cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia, which presents as muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue.
While observing a resident after administration of an antibiotic, the aide notices hives spreading across the resident's arms. This is best classified as:
Answer: An allergic reaction
Hives (urticaria) spreading after medication administration indicate an allergic reaction, which must be reported immediately.
A resident on iron supplements reports that their stools have turned black. What is the appropriate action?
Answer: Document it as a normal, expected effect of iron supplementation
Black stools are a well-known and expected side effect of oral iron supplements and should be documented as a normal finding.
Which observation in a resident taking an antihypertensive medication requires the MOST urgent report to the nurse?
Answer: Blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg with dizziness
A blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg with dizziness indicates dangerous hypotension, a serious adverse effect requiring immediate nursing intervention.
A resident taking an anticoagulant has developed unexplained bruising on both arms. The medication aide should:
Answer: Document and report the bruising to the nurse immediately
Unexplained bruising in a resident on anticoagulants may signal excessive bleeding risk and must be reported to the nurse promptly.
Which term describes a harmful, unintended response to a medication that occurs at a normal therapeutic dose?
Answer: Adverse drug reaction
An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is an unintended, harmful response that occurs at a dose normally used for treatment.
A resident receiving a narcotic analgesic has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. The medication aide should:
Answer: Report the finding to the nurse immediately
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is dangerously low and may indicate narcotic-induced respiratory depression, requiring immediate reporting.