MACE Medication Knowledge 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which medication is classified as a controlled substance Schedule II, indicating a high potential for abuse?
- Ibuprofen
- Lorazepam
- Oxycodone (Correct answer)
- Tramadol
Correct answer: Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high abuse and addiction potential.
Question 2: A patient receiving a loop diuretic like furosemide should be monitored for which electrolyte imbalance?
- Hypernatremia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypermagnesemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Loop diuretics cause significant potassium loss through urine, leading to hypokalemia.
Question 3: What does the term 'therapeutic index' refer to?
- The speed at which a drug reaches peak plasma levels
- The ratio between a drug's toxic dose and its effective dose (Correct answer)
- The list of approved indications for a medication
- The time required to achieve steady-state concentration
Correct answer: The ratio between a drug's toxic dose and its effective dose
The therapeutic index measures the safety margin of a drug — a narrow index means toxic and effective doses are close together.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a medication interaction where one drug increases the effect of another?
- Antacids reducing absorption of tetracycline
- Alcohol enhancing the sedative effect of benzodiazepines (Correct answer)
- Rifampin decreasing warfarin effectiveness
- Vitamin C decreasing iron absorption
Correct answer: Alcohol enhancing the sedative effect of benzodiazepines
Alcohol is a CNS depressant that potentiates the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, increasing risk of respiratory depression.
Question 5: When applying a topical cream, the medication aide should use which technique to avoid skin irritation and cross-contamination?
- Bare hands for better control
- A cotton swab or gloved finger (Correct answer)
- A dry gauze pad rubbed vigorously
- A metal spatula from the supply cart
Correct answer: A cotton swab or gloved finger
Gloves or applicators protect both the resident's skin and the medication aide from contamination.
Question 6: A resident is on phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control. Which oral hygiene finding is a known side effect of this drug?
- Tooth discoloration
- Gingival hyperplasia (Correct answer)
- Xerostomia
- Oral thrush
Correct answer: Gingival hyperplasia
Phenytoin commonly causes gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) with long-term use.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes an 'idiosyncratic' drug reaction?
- A predictable reaction based on the drug's mechanism
- An unpredictable reaction unique to the individual patient (Correct answer)
- A delayed allergic response involving IgE antibodies
- A dose-dependent toxic reaction from too much drug
Correct answer: An unpredictable reaction unique to the individual patient
Idiosyncratic reactions are rare, unpredictable responses not related to dose or known drug mechanisms, often linked to genetic factors.
MACE Medication Knowledge 4
Which medication is classified as a controlled substance Schedule II, indicating a high potential for abuse?