MACE Medication Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A medication is labeled 'sublingual.' Where should it be administered?
- Swallowed with water
- Under the tongue (Correct answer)
- Applied to the skin
- Placed between the cheek and gum
Correct answer: Under the tongue
Sublingual medications are placed under the tongue where they dissolve and absorb directly into the bloodstream.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a high-alert medication that requires extra caution?
- Vitamin C
- Insulin (Correct answer)
- Saline nasal spray
- Antacid tablets
Correct answer: Insulin
Insulin is a high-alert medication because errors in dosing can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Question 3: A medication order reads '500 mg BID.' How many times per day should it be given?
- Once
- Twice (Correct answer)
- Three times
- Four times
Correct answer: Twice
BID is a Latin abbreviation for 'bis in die,' meaning twice a day.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the Medication Administration Record (MAR)?
- To store leftover medications
- To document when and what medications were given (Correct answer)
- To track resident vital signs only
- To list resident allergies only
Correct answer: To document when and what medications were given
The MAR provides a legal record of all medications administered to a resident, including time, dose, and route.
Question 5: Which of the following is the safest way to identify a resident before giving medications?
- Ask a coworker to identify the resident
- Check the resident's name band and verify with photo ID or two identifiers (Correct answer)
- Call the resident by the name they respond to
- Trust that the resident is in the correct room
Correct answer: Check the resident's name band and verify with photo ID or two identifiers
Using at least two identifiers, such as name and date of birth verified against the MAR and ID band, ensures correct resident identification.
Question 6: A topical medication is ordered for a resident. This means it should be:
- Swallowed
- Applied to the skin surface (Correct answer)
- Inhaled
- Placed under the tongue
Correct answer: Applied to the skin surface
Topical medications are applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes for local or systemic effect.
Question 7: What should a medication aide do if a resident is asleep at medication time?
- Leave the medication on the nightstand
- Skip the dose and document it as given
- Attempt to wake the resident appropriately and notify the nurse if unable (Correct answer)
- Give the medication later without documentation
Correct answer: Attempt to wake the resident appropriately and notify the nurse if unable
The aide should gently attempt to rouse the resident; if unsuccessful, the nurse must be notified to determine how to proceed.
MACE Medication Safety 3
A medication is labeled 'sublingual.' Where should it be administered?