MACE Medication Concepts and Calculations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident requires 1,000 mL of IV fluid to infuse over 8 hours. What is the infusion rate in mL/hr?
- 100 mL/hr
- 125 mL/hr (Correct answer)
- 150 mL/hr
- 200 mL/hr
Correct answer: 125 mL/hr
1,000 mL ÷ 8 hours = 125 mL/hr.
Question 2: Which class of medications works by blocking H2 receptors to reduce stomach acid production?
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Antacids
- H2 receptor antagonists (Correct answer)
- Anticholinergics
Correct answer: H2 receptor antagonists
H2 receptor antagonists (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine) block histamine H2 receptors on stomach cells to reduce acid secretion.
Question 3: When a drug order reads 'ASA 325 mg PO QID PRN pain,' what does PRN mean?
- Before meals
- At bedtime
- As needed (Correct answer)
- Every hour
Correct answer: As needed
PRN is a Latin abbreviation for 'pro re nata,' meaning as needed or when necessary.
Question 4: A medication has a narrow therapeutic index. What does this mean for the medication aide?
- The drug is safe at any dose
- Small dose changes can cause toxicity or treatment failure (Correct answer)
- The drug has no side effects
- The drug can be given without a physician order
Correct answer: Small dose changes can cause toxicity or treatment failure
A narrow therapeutic index means there is little difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose, requiring careful monitoring.
Question 5: An order reads: 'Give amoxicillin 500 mg PO q8h × 10 days.' How many total doses will be given over the treatment course?
- 20 doses
- 24 doses
- 30 doses (Correct answer)
- 36 doses
Correct answer: 30 doses
3 doses/day (q8h = every 8 hours) × 10 days = 30 total doses.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a Schedule II controlled substance?
- Alprazolam
- Codeine cough syrup
- Oxycodone (Correct answer)
- Tramadol
Correct answer: Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance with high abuse potential and accepted medical use with severe restrictions.
Question 7: A resident is taking a diuretic medication. Which electrolyte imbalance should the medication aide monitor for most closely?
- Hypernatremia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Loop and thiazide diuretics commonly cause hypokalemia (low potassium) as they increase urinary potassium excretion.
MACE Medication Concepts and Calculations 3
A resident requires 1,000 mL of IV fluid to infuse over 8 hours.
What is the infusion rate in mL/hr?