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 with a known penicillin allergy is prescribed amoxicillin. The medication aide should:
Answer: Withhold the medication and notify the nurse immediately
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, and administering it to a resident with a documented penicillin allergy is contraindicated — the nurse must be notified immediately.
When a resident reports that a medication 'is not working,' the medication aide's BEST first action is to:
Answer: Listen to the resident, document the report, and notify the nurse
The medication aide should document the resident's concern and notify the nurse, who can evaluate whether a medication change is needed.
A resident on a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) is observed to have a dry mouth, blurred vision, and difficulty urinating. These are examples of:
Answer: Anticholinergic side effects common with TCAs
Dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention are classic anticholinergic side effects frequently seen with tricyclic antidepressants.
A resident starts a new antipsychotic medication. The aide notices the resident's neck is twisted to one side and they cannot straighten it. This is MOST likely:
Answer: Acute dystonia, a serious side effect requiring urgent reporting
Acute dystonia (involuntary, sustained muscle contractions) is a serious extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotics that requires immediate nursing notification.
What does it mean when a medication produces a 'synergistic effect' with another drug?
Answer: The combined effect of two drugs is greater than each drug alone
A synergistic effect occurs when two drugs together produce a combined effect that is stronger than either drug would produce on its own.
A resident taking an SSRI antidepressant reports feeling agitated, has a high fever, rapid heart rate, and muscle rigidity. The medication aide should suspect:
Answer: Serotonin syndrome, which is a medical emergency
Agitation, fever, rapid heart rate, and muscle rigidity are hallmark signs of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction requiring emergency intervention.
After administering a new medication, the medication aide should observe the resident for at least how long before leaving to ensure no immediate adverse reaction occurs?
Answer: 15 to 30 minutes
Best practice recommends observing a resident for 15 to 30 minutes after a new medication to detect any immediate adverse or allergic reactions.