MACE Pharmacology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident is prescribed a laxative. The CNA should monitor the resident for which potential complication?
- Hypertension
- Dehydration (Correct answer)
- Hypoglycemia
- Bradycardia
Correct answer: Dehydration
Laxatives promote bowel movements and can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss if used frequently or in excess.
Question 2: Which medication form is designed to dissolve slowly and release the drug over an extended period?
- Suppository
- Extended-release tablet (Correct answer)
- Sublingual tablet
- Elixir
Correct answer: Extended-release tablet
Extended-release tablets are formulated to dissolve gradually, maintaining a steady drug level in the bloodstream over hours.
Question 3: A resident develops hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing shortly after a new medication is given. The CNA should FIRST:
- Give the resident a glass of water
- Call for the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Document the reaction and wait to see if it improves
- Administer an antihistamine
Correct answer: Call for the nurse immediately
These signs indicate a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is a medical emergency requiring immediate nursing intervention.
Question 4: What is the purpose of an antacid medication?
- To lower blood pressure
- To neutralize stomach acid (Correct answer)
- To reduce blood sugar
- To promote sleep
Correct answer: To neutralize stomach acid
Antacids work by chemically neutralizing excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion.
Question 5: A resident's medication should be given 'AC.' When should this medication be administered?
- After meals
- Before meals (Correct answer)
- At bedtime
- Every morning
Correct answer: Before meals
The abbreviation 'AC' stands for the Latin 'ante cibum,' meaning before meals.
Question 6: Which observation suggests a resident may be experiencing a side effect from a beta-blocker medication?
- Blood pressure of 160/95 mmHg
- Heart rate of 52 beats per minute (Correct answer)
- Blood glucose of 110 mg/dL
- Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
Correct answer: Heart rate of 52 beats per minute
Beta-blockers slow the heart rate, so bradycardia (low heart rate, under 60 bpm) is a common and notable side effect.
Question 7: A medication error occurs. After ensuring the resident's safety, what should the CNA do NEXT?
- Say nothing and hope there are no consequences
- Immediately report the error to the nurse and complete an incident report (Correct answer)
- Administer another medication to counteract it
- Tell the resident's family before telling the nurse
Correct answer: Immediately report the error to the nurse and complete an incident report
Medication errors must be reported immediately to the nurse and documented per facility policy to ensure resident safety and proper follow-up.
MACE Pharmacology 4
A resident is prescribed a laxative.
The CNA should monitor the resident for which potential complication?