MACE Medication Storage and Handling 3

Question 1

What is the proper procedure for disposing of an unused controlled substance in a long-term care facility?

Accepted Answer

Follow DEA and facility guidelines, witnessed by two authorized staff members and documented

Answer

Flush it down the toilet without documentation

Answer

Pour it into a sharps container

Answer

Keep it in the resident's chart until the next refill

Question 2

At what temperature should insulin vials or pens be stored when they are opened and in current use?

Accepted Answer

At room temperature (below 77°F/25°C) for up to 28 days

Answer

In the freezer at 32°F (0°C)

Answer

Refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F at all times

Answer

In a warm location above 80°F to keep it fluid

Question 3

What does it mean when a medication is labeled as 'photosensitive'?

Accepted Answer

It degrades when exposed to light and must be kept in opaque or dark packaging

Answer

It must be administered only during daylight hours

Answer

It can cause sun sensitivity as a side effect

Answer

It reacts with other light-colored medications

Question 4

How should eye drops be stored after opening to prevent contamination?

Accepted Answer

Kept with each individual resident, labeled with the opening date, and used within the recommended timeframe

Answer

Shared among multiple residents to avoid waste

Answer

Stored in a common area at the nurses' station for easy access

Answer

Refrigerated in a shared medication refrigerator with other residents' drops

Question 5

What is the maximum acceptable time a medication cart should be left unlocked and unattended?

Accepted Answer

It should never be left unlocked and unattended

Answer

Up to 30 minutes if the aide is nearby

Answer

Up to 10 minutes between medication passes

Answer

Until the end of the medication administration round

Question 6

Which of the following is the correct way to handle a medication that has been dropped on the floor?

Accepted Answer

Discard the dropped medication and obtain a replacement dose

Answer

Pick it up and administer it if it looks clean

Answer

Rinse it with water and give it to the resident

Answer

Apply hand sanitizer to the medication before administering it

Question 7

When transferring medications from bulk stock to a resident's individual supply, which step is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Verifying and transferring the original label information accurately to the new container

Answer

Ensuring the container is the same color as the original

Answer

Using a permanent marker to write only the drug name

Answer

Counting the tablets to confirm the quantity before sealing