ACC Medication Management and Health Monitoring

Question 1

Why is medication management particularly challenging for individuals with Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

They may forget to take medications or take them multiple times

Answer

Memory loss in Alzheimer's disease causes patients to forget whether they have taken their medications, risking missed or double doses.

Question 2

What is the BEST tool to help ensure an Alzheimer's patient takes the correct medication at the correct time?

Accepted Answer

Using a locked, automated pill dispenser with alarms

Answer

Automated locked pill dispensers with timed alarms reduce errors and prevent access to multiple doses at once.

Question 3

Which of the following is a common medication side effect that caregivers should monitor in Alzheimer's patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors?

Accepted Answer

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Answer

Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Question 4

A caregiver finds an Alzheimer's patient confused and unusually drowsy after taking medications. What should the caregiver do first?

Accepted Answer

Check the medications and contact the prescriber or Poison Control immediately

Answer

Sudden confusion and excessive drowsiness may indicate a medication error or adverse reaction requiring immediate medical consultation.

Question 5

Which practice helps prevent medication errors when multiple caregivers are involved in an Alzheimer's patient's care?

Accepted Answer

Using a shared, up-to-date medication log or administration record

Answer

A shared medication administration record ensures all caregivers know what has been given, preventing accidental duplicate dosing.

(ACC) Alzheimers Caregiver Certification Practice Test