Medication Storage and Handling 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 Medication Storage and Handling flashcards as text
What is the recommended room temperature range for storing most oral medications?
Answer: 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)
Most oral medications should be stored at room temperature between 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C) to maintain potency and stability.
Which of the following medications typically requires refrigeration for storage?
Answer: Insulin
Insulin is a protein-based medication that must be refrigerated (36°F to 46°F) when not in use to maintain its effectiveness.
When storing controlled substances, which security measure is required by law?
Answer: Locking them in a double-locked, secure cabinet
Federal and state laws require controlled substances to be stored in a double-locked, secure cabinet to prevent diversion and unauthorized access.
What is the correct action when a medication is found to be expired?
Answer: Return it to the pharmacy or follow facility disposal policy
Expired medications must be returned to the pharmacy or disposed of following the facility's policy and state/federal regulations to ensure safety.
Which environmental factor most commonly degrades medication quality during storage?
Answer: Exposure to excessive heat, light, or moisture
Excessive heat, light, and moisture are the primary environmental factors that break down medication compounds and reduce their effectiveness.
Where is it NOT appropriate to store a resident's medications in a long-term care facility?
Answer: On the resident's bedside table without a lock
Medications must be secured at all times; leaving them on a bedside table without a lock violates safety regulations and risks accidental ingestion by others.
What should a medication aide do if a medication container's label becomes unreadable or damaged?
Answer: Do not use the medication and contact the pharmacy for a replacement
An unreadable label means the medication cannot be safely identified, so it must not be administered; the pharmacy must provide a properly labeled replacement.