MACE Medication Concepts and Calculations 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The order reads 'metoprolol 25 mg PO BID.' Available are 12.5 mg tablets. How many tablets are given per dose?
- 0.5 tablet
- 1 tablet
- 2 tablets (Correct answer)
- 3 tablets
Correct answer: 2 tablets
25 mg ÷ 12.5 mg per tablet = 2 tablets per dose.
Question 2: Which medication storage condition is most likely to cause degradation of heat-sensitive medications?
- Storing at room temperature (68–77°F)
- Storing in a cool, dry place
- Exposing to direct sunlight and high heat (Correct answer)
- Refrigerating between 36–46°F
Correct answer: Exposing to direct sunlight and high heat
Heat and direct sunlight can break down heat-sensitive medications, reducing their efficacy or creating harmful byproducts.
Question 3: A resident refuses to take a scheduled medication. What is the FIRST action the medication aide should take?
- Force the medication into the resident's mouth
- Document the refusal and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Crush the medication and hide it in food
- Skip the dose without documentation
Correct answer: Document the refusal and notify the nurse
Residents have the right to refuse medications; the aide must document the refusal and report it to the supervising nurse.
Question 4: Which term describes the process by which a drug is broken down by the liver into metabolites?
- Absorption
- Distribution
- Metabolism (Correct answer)
- Excretion
Correct answer: Metabolism
Metabolism (biotransformation) is the process by which the liver enzymatically converts drugs into metabolites for easier elimination.
Question 5: A resident weighing 154 lbs is prescribed a drug at 2 mg/kg. What is the correct dose in milligrams?
- 100 mg
- 120 mg
- 140 mg (Correct answer)
- 160 mg
Correct answer: 140 mg
154 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 70 kg; 70 kg × 2 mg/kg = 140 mg.
Question 6: Which of the following medications requires a medication aide to check the resident's apical pulse before administration?
- Acetaminophen
- Digoxin (Correct answer)
- Omeprazole
- Docusate sodium
Correct answer: Digoxin
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside; if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm, the dose should be withheld and the nurse notified.
Question 7: What is the meaning of the abbreviation 'NPO' on a medication administration record?
- No physician order
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- Night-time prescription only
- Non-parenteral option
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO stands for 'nil per os,' a Latin phrase meaning nothing by mouth, including medications unless otherwise specified.
MACE Medication Concepts and Calculations 4
The order reads 'metoprolol 25 mg PO BID.' Available are 12.5 mg tablets.
How many tablets are given per dose?