Patient Care & Communication Skills 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 Patient Care & Communication Skills flashcards as text
During medication rounds, an aide observes a resident has a new skin rash on their arm. The aide should:
Answer: Document the rash, hold all medications, and notify the nurse
A new rash may be a sign of an allergic drug reaction and must be reported to the nurse before continuing medication administration.
What does it mean to obtain 'informed consent' before medication administration?
Answer: Ensuring the resident understands and agrees to take the medication
Informed consent means the resident understands the medication's purpose, risks, and alternatives and voluntarily agrees to take it.
Which approach is most appropriate when a resident with Alzheimer's disease repeatedly asks what the medication is for?
Answer: Respond patiently each time with a simple, consistent explanation
Residents with Alzheimer's may not retain information; consistent, patient responses respect their dignity and provide needed reassurance.
A resident refuses to swallow a large tablet. The aide's first step should be to:
Answer: Consult the nurse or pharmacist to see if an alternative form is available
Some tablets cannot be crushed or split; the nurse or pharmacist must confirm whether an alternate formulation (liquid, smaller pill) is available.
The medication aide notices a resident crying quietly in their room before medication administration. The aide should:
Answer: Acknowledge the resident's feelings and ask if they are okay before proceeding
Acknowledging emotional distress is a core part of holistic care; ignoring it undermines trust and may miss important mental health concerns.
What is the purpose of the medication administration record (MAR)?
Answer: To provide a legal record of medications given, refused, or held
The MAR is the official legal document that records what medications were given, by whom, at what time, and any exceptions.
When a resident on a controlled substance appears to be overly sedated, the aide should:
Answer: Immediately notify the nurse and monitor the resident closely
Excessive sedation may indicate toxicity or overdose from a controlled substance, requiring immediate nursing evaluation.