MACE Legal and Ethical Issues 4

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Discussing the resident's medications loudly in a common area

Answer

Closing the door before giving medications

Answer

Using a medication cart in a private room

Answer

Verifying the resident's identity before administration

Question 2

What is the purpose of an incident report following a medication error?

Accepted Answer

To document facts for quality improvement and legal protection

Answer

To punish the aide who made the error

Answer

To notify the resident's insurer automatically

Answer

To replace the nurse's progress note

Question 3

Scope of practice for a medication aide is primarily defined by:

Accepted Answer

State law and the employing facility's policies

Answer

The resident's physician

Answer

The medication aide's personal comfort level

Answer

The pharmacist dispensing the medications

Question 4

A resident has a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. The medication aide finds the resident unresponsive. The aide should:

Accepted Answer

Follow the DNR order, call for the nurse, and do not initiate CPR

Answer

Begin CPR because the DNR may have expired

Answer

Ignore the DNR and call 911 for full resuscitation

Answer

Administer emergency medication from the crash cart

Question 5

Which behavior by a medication aide represents a breach of professional boundaries?

Accepted Answer

Accepting a large cash gift from a resident

Answer

Addressing the resident by their preferred name

Answer

Reporting a medication error to the supervisor

Answer

Knocking before entering a resident's room

Question 6

A medication aide notices that a colleague frequently documents medications as given but leaves the medication on the tray. This should be reported because it represents:

Accepted Answer

Falsification of medical records and potential harm to residents

Answer

An acceptable time-saving documentation practice

Answer

A minor charting error corrected at end of shift

Answer

A facility policy variation, not a legal issue

Question 7

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a facility must make reasonable accommodations for a resident with a disability. In medication administration, this may include:

Accepted Answer

Providing communication aids for a resident with hearing impairment when explaining medications

Answer

Exempting the resident from all medication policies

Answer

Administering medications without consent if the resident cannot communicate

Answer

Charging higher fees for residents requiring additional assistance