Patient Care & Communication Skills Flashcards

What is the correct procedure when a medication aide discovers they gave the wrong dose to a resident?

Answer: Notify the nurse immediately and complete an incident report

Medication errors require immediate nurse notification and formal incident reporting to ensure resident safety and regulatory compliance.

Which action violates a resident's right to privacy during medication administration?

Answer: Discussing a resident's medications in the hallway where others can hear

Discussing a resident's medications where others can hear violates HIPAA privacy regulations and the resident's dignity.

A medication aide notes a resident's skin appears yellow (jaundiced) before administering medications. The aide should:

Answer: Report the observation to the nurse before giving any medications

Jaundice can indicate liver problems that may affect medication metabolism; the nurse must assess before administration continues.

When documenting medication administration, the aide should record:

Answer: The medication after administering it

Documentation should occur immediately after administration, not before, to accurately reflect what was given.

A resident tells the aide they are experiencing nausea after taking their morning pills. The aide should:

Answer: Offer a snack and report the symptom to the nurse

Nausea after medication is a reportable side effect; the nurse must be informed and may adjust the medication plan.

The term 'PRN' on a medication order means the medication should be given:

Answer: As needed based on specific conditions or symptoms

PRN (pro re nata) means 'as needed,' and the medication aide must understand the triggering condition before administration.

Which statement best describes the role of active listening in patient care?

Answer: Giving full attention and acknowledging what the resident says

Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to the resident to build trust and catch important health information.