MACE Medical Reactions or Conditions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident taking an ACE inhibitor for hypertension develops a persistent dry cough. The medication aide should:
- Report it to the nurse as a known adverse effect requiring possible medication change (Correct answer)
- Encourage the resident to drink more water to suppress the cough
- Administer an OTC cough suppressant immediately
- Ignore it as a normal part of aging
Correct answer: Report it to the nurse as a known adverse effect requiring possible medication change
A persistent dry cough is a well-known adverse effect of ACE inhibitors caused by bradykinin accumulation and should be reported for medication review.
Question 2: Which set of symptoms suggests serotonin syndrome in a resident taking multiple medications?
- Agitation, tremor, fever, and muscle rigidity (Correct answer)
- Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and drowsiness
- Weight gain, constipation, and cold intolerance
- Dry skin, confusion, and polyuria
Correct answer: Agitation, tremor, fever, and muscle rigidity
Serotonin syndrome presents with neuromuscular abnormalities (tremor, rigidity), autonomic instability, and altered mental status from excess serotonergic activity.
Question 3: A resident experiences sudden onset of facial drooping, arm weakness on one side, and slurred speech. The medication aide should recognize this as:
- Signs of a stroke requiring emergency response (Correct answer)
- A medication side effect that will resolve
- Signs of low blood sugar needing juice
- A panic attack requiring calm reassurance
Correct answer: Signs of a stroke requiring emergency response
Sudden facial drooping, unilateral arm weakness, and speech difficulty are hallmark signs of stroke requiring immediate emergency (911) response.
Question 4: Which reaction describes an unexpected and abnormal response to a medication that is not related to its dose or known pharmacologic effects?
- Idiosyncratic reaction (Correct answer)
- Toxic reaction
- Side effect
- Allergic reaction
Correct answer: Idiosyncratic reaction
An idiosyncratic reaction is an unpredictable, abnormal response to a drug that is unique to an individual and unrelated to dose or immune mechanisms.
Question 5: A resident on a beta-blocker for heart failure develops cold extremities, fatigue, and a heart rate of 48 bpm. The medication aide should:
- Withhold the medication and report the bradycardia to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Give the medication since these are expected minor side effects
- Encourage the resident to exercise to raise the heart rate
- Offer a warm blanket only and document the findings
Correct answer: Withhold the medication and report the bradycardia to the nurse immediately
A heart rate of 48 bpm indicates bradycardia, a serious adverse effect of beta-blockers; the medication should be withheld and the nurse notified.
Question 6: Which condition is characterized by excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision in a resident with known diabetes?
- Hyperglycemia (Correct answer)
- Hypoglycemia
- Diabetic ketoacidosis only
- Insulin overdose
Correct answer: Hyperglycemia
Polydipsia, polyuria, and blurred vision are classic signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in a diabetic patient.
Question 7: A resident develops wheezing and chest tightness within minutes of receiving a penicillin injection. The FIRST action of the medication aide should be:
- Call for emergency help immediately and stay with the resident (Correct answer)
- Give the resident water and wait to see if symptoms improve
- Document the reaction and notify the nurse at the next scheduled check
- Apply ice to the injection site to reduce the reaction
Correct answer: Call for emergency help immediately and stay with the resident
Wheezing and chest tightness after drug administration suggest anaphylaxis; calling for emergency help immediately is the highest priority.
MACE Medical Reactions or Conditions 3
A resident taking an ACE inhibitor for hypertension develops a persistent dry cough.
The medication aide should: