MACE Pharmaceutical Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which drug classification includes medications like oxycodone and morphine that require special handling and documentation?
- Schedule II controlled substances (Correct answer)
- Schedule IV controlled substances
- Over-the-counter analgesics
- Schedule VI legend drugs
Correct answer: Schedule II controlled substances
Oxycodone and morphine are Schedule II controlled substances requiring strict documentation, secure storage, and witness counts.
Question 2: A resident is prescribed metformin 500 mg twice daily. When is the BEST time to administer this medication?
- With meals to reduce GI side effects (Correct answer)
- On an empty stomach for best absorption
- At bedtime only
- Any time regardless of food
Correct answer: With meals to reduce GI side effects
Metformin is administered with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of an enteric coating on a tablet?
- To prevent dissolution in the stomach and release medication in the intestine (Correct answer)
- To make the tablet easier to swallow
- To mask the taste of the medication
- To increase absorption speed in the bloodstream
Correct answer: To prevent dissolution in the stomach and release medication in the intestine
Enteric coatings protect the medication from stomach acid and delay release until the tablet reaches the small intestine.
Question 4: Which of the following is a common side effect of diuretics that a medication aide should monitor for?
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (Correct answer)
- Increased appetite
- Hypertension
- Bradycardia
Correct answer: Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Diuretics increase urine output, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances such as low potassium.
Question 5: A resident's medication order reads 'acetaminophen 650 mg PO PRN for pain, not to exceed 4g/day.' How many 325 mg tablets constitute one dose?
- 2 tablets (Correct answer)
- 1 tablet
- 3 tablets
- 4 tablets
Correct answer: 2 tablets
650 mg divided by 325 mg per tablet equals 2 tablets per dose.
Question 6: Which abbreviation on a medication order indicates the medication should be given under the tongue?
- SL (Correct answer)
- PO
- PR
- IM
Correct answer: SL
SL stands for sublingual, meaning the medication is placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.
Question 7: A resident taking warfarin asks if they can take ibuprofen for a headache. What is the BEST response?
- Do not give ibuprofen and report the request to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Give ibuprofen since it is over-the-counter
- Give acetaminophen instead without consulting the nurse
- Tell the resident to wait until their next scheduled warfarin dose
Correct answer: Do not give ibuprofen and report the request to the nurse
NSAIDs like ibuprofen interact with warfarin and increase bleeding risk; the nurse must be notified before any additional medication is given.
MACE Pharmaceutical Knowledge 2
Which drug classification includes medications like oxycodone and morphine that require special handling and documentation?