MACE Medication Administration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which abbreviation on a medication order means 'every 8 hours'?
- BID
- QID
- Q8H (Correct answer)
- PRN
Correct answer: Q8H
Q8H stands for 'quaque 8 hora,' meaning the medication is given every 8 hours.
Question 2: The medication aide is preparing to give a patch (transdermal) medication. What should be done BEFORE applying a new patch?
- Apply the new patch first, then remove the old one
- Remove the old patch from the previous application site (Correct answer)
- Leave the old patch in place and apply the new one to a different location
- Skip application if the old patch is still partially in place
Correct answer: Remove the old patch from the previous application site
The old patch must be removed before applying a new one to prevent medication accumulation and overdose.
Question 3: A resident's medication label reads 'Take with food.' This instruction is intended to:
- Improve the taste of the medication
- Reduce gastrointestinal side effects (Correct answer)
- Speed up medication absorption
- Prevent interactions with water
Correct answer: Reduce gastrointestinal side effects
Taking certain medications with food helps protect the stomach lining and reduces nausea or irritation.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a PRN medication?
- A daily blood pressure pill taken every morning
- A pain reliever given as needed for discomfort (Correct answer)
- An antibiotic taken for a 10-day course
- A vitamin supplement taken with breakfast
Correct answer: A pain reliever given as needed for discomfort
PRN means 'as needed'; medications ordered PRN are only given when a specific condition or symptom is present.
Question 5: What is the purpose of documenting medication administration immediately after giving the medication?
- To inform the next shift of planned medications
- To provide an accurate record and prevent duplicate dosing (Correct answer)
- To satisfy billing requirements only
- To record the resident's personal preferences
Correct answer: To provide an accurate record and prevent duplicate dosing
Immediate documentation ensures an accurate record exists and prevents another staff member from giving the same dose.
Question 6: A medication aide prepares a dose and is interrupted before giving it. What is the SAFEST action?
- Leave the medication at the bedside and return later
- Dispose of the medication and prepare a fresh dose when returning (Correct answer)
- Ask another aide to deliver the medication
- Continue the interruption and give the medication when remembering
Correct answer: Dispose of the medication and prepare a fresh dose when returning
Medications prepared and left unattended may be tampered with or given to the wrong resident; a fresh preparation ensures safety.
Question 7: Enteric-coated tablets are designed to:
- Be chewed for faster absorption
- Dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach (Correct answer)
- Be dissolved in water before swallowing
- Be crushed and mixed with applesauce
Correct answer: Dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach
Enteric coating protects the stomach and ensures the medication dissolves in the intestine where it is absorbed.
MACE Medication Administration 3
Which abbreviation on a medication order means 'every 8 hours'?