Routes of Administration 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 Routes of Administration flashcards as text
A resident is prescribed a fentanyl transdermal patch. The medication aide should rotate patch sites to:
Answer: Prevent skin irritation and ensure consistent absorption
Rotating transdermal patch sites prevents skin irritation and breakdown, and ensures each site has adequate blood flow for consistent drug absorption.
When administering nasal drops, what position should the resident be placed in for best results?
Answer: Lying down with head tilted back or to the side
Having the resident lie down with head tilted back allows nasal drops to flow back into the nasal passages and contact the nasal mucosa rather than running out.
Which safety step is essential BEFORE applying a new transdermal medication patch?
Answer: Remove and properly dispose of any old patch
The old patch must always be removed and disposed of safely before applying a new one to prevent accidental overdose from double-dosing.
A medication aide notices a resident has difficulty swallowing tablets. What should the aide do first?
Answer: Check with the nurse or prescriber to see if an alternative form is available
The medication aide must consult the nurse or prescriber before altering a medication — not all tablets can be crushed, and an alternative formulation may be ordered.
Which route of administration typically produces the FASTEST onset of action?
Answer: Intravenous
Intravenous administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, producing the fastest onset of action of any route.
A medication labeled 'OD' for eye drops should be administered to:
Answer: Right eye only
OD stands for 'oculus dexter,' the Latin term meaning the right eye.
What is the primary reason medication aides should wash their hands before and after administering topical medications?
Answer: To prevent cross-contamination and protect both resident and aide
Hand hygiene before and after topical administration prevents transferring microorganisms to the resident and protects the aide from absorbing the medication through their own skin.