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 on a statin medication reports new onset of muscle pain and weakness. The medication aide should prioritize:
Answer: Reporting the symptoms to the nurse before the next dose
Muscle pain and weakness in a resident taking statins can indicate myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, a serious adverse effect that must be reported immediately.
When documenting observations about medication effects, the medication aide should record:
Answer: Objective observations using measurable terms
Accurate documentation uses objective, measurable, factual terms to describe observations rather than opinions or assumptions.
A resident taking an antidepressant for the first time asks when they should feel better. The medication aide's BEST response is:
Answer: These medications usually take several weeks to reach full effect
Antidepressants typically require 2–4 weeks or more to reach full therapeutic effect, and residents should be informed of this expected timeline.
Which observation would indicate a possible TOXIC effect of digoxin?
Answer: Nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances
Nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances (such as seeing yellow halos) are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
A resident on insulin reports feeling shaky, sweaty, and confused 30 minutes after the medication aide gave the morning insulin. The aide should FIRST:
Answer: Check the blood glucose and notify the nurse immediately
Shakiness, sweating, and confusion are signs of hypoglycemia, which requires immediate blood glucose check and nursing notification.
The nurse asks the medication aide to monitor a resident for orthostatic hypotension after starting a new blood pressure medication. This means the aide should watch for:
Answer: Dizziness or lightheadedness when the resident stands up
Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
A resident taking a calcium channel blocker develops swelling in both ankles. The medication aide should:
Answer: Report the observation to the nurse as a potential side effect
Peripheral edema (ankle swelling) is a known side effect of some calcium channel blockers and should be reported to the nurse for evaluation.