Medication Management Procedures Flashcards

What action must an RCFE take when a resident's prescription medication expires?

Answer: Dispose of it according to safe medication disposal guidelines and obtain a new prescription

Expired medications must be safely disposed of per regulatory guidelines and a new prescription must be obtained before administration continues.

A physician orders a PRN (as-needed) medication for an RCFE resident. What documentation is required each time it is given?

Answer: Documentation of the indication, time administered, dose, and resident's response

Each PRN administration must be fully documented including the reason, time, dose, and observed resident response.

Which medications require double-lock storage in a California RCFE?

Answer: Schedule II controlled substances

Schedule II controlled substances require double-lock (locked within a locked area) storage per DEA and California regulations.

When an RCFE resident transitions to a new physician, what must the facility ensure regarding medications?

Answer: The new physician reviews and reauthorizes all current medication orders in a timely manner

The new physician must review and reauthorize all current medication orders. Old orders from the previous physician are not automatically valid under a new provider.

What is the purpose of a medication administration record (MAR) in an RCFE?

Answer: It tracks all medications given to a resident and serves as the official record of administration

The MAR is the official documentation record of every medication administered to a resident, used by staff, physicians, and inspectors.

An RCFE resident asks staff to give them a friend's leftover prescription medication for their headache. How should staff respond?

Answer: Refuse and explain that only physician-ordered medications can be administered

Only medications with a current physician's order may be given to a resident. Administering another person's prescription is illegal and unsafe.