CMT Medication Administration

Question 1

What is the first step in safely administering oral medication?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the right medication is prepared.

Answer

The first and most crucial step in safely administering any medication, including oral medication, is to ensure that the correct medication is prepared. This involves carefully checking the medication label against the physician's order to confirm the right drug, dose, and form. This foundational step helps prevent medication errors before they can reach the patient.

Question 2

How should medications be stored to maintain effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

In a cool, dry place away from light.

Answer

Most medications are sensitive to environmental factors like heat, light, and humidity, which can degrade their chemical composition and reduce their effectiveness. Storing medications in a cool, dry place away from direct light helps preserve their stability and potency. This ensures the drug remains safe and effective for its intended use throughout its shelf life.

Question 3

What is the primary concern when administering injectable medications?

Accepted Answer

Using the correct needle size.

Answer

Using the correct needle size is paramount when administering injectable medications. An inappropriate needle size can lead to complications such as unnecessary pain, tissue damage, or improper delivery of the medication to the intended site (e.g., too shallow or too deep). Selecting the right needle ensures effective drug delivery and minimizes patient discomfort and adverse events.

Question 4

What should be done if a patient refuses medication?

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal and notify a supervisor.

Answer

Patients have the right to refuse medication. When a patient refuses, it is essential to respect their decision, document the refusal thoroughly in their medical record, and immediately notify a supervisor or the prescribing healthcare provider. This ensures that the patient's care plan can be re-evaluated and alternative solutions considered, while maintaining accurate records.

Question 5

What is the best practice for measuring liquid medication?

Accepted Answer

Use a calibrated syringe or medicine cup.

Answer

Accurate measurement is critical for ensuring the correct dosage of liquid medication, as even small discrepancies can lead to under-dosing or over-dosing. Calibrated syringes or medicine cups are specifically designed with precise markings to measure exact volumes. Using these tools prevents errors that can occur with household items like kitchen spoons, which are not standardized for medication measurement.

(CMT) Certified Medication Technician Practice Test

(CMT) Certified Medication Technician Practice Test

CMT Medication Administration