Senior Care Medication Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most common route of medication administration in long-term care facilities?
- Intravenous (IV)
- Intramuscular (IM)
- Oral (PO) (Correct answer)
- Subcutaneous
Correct answer: Oral (PO)
Oral administration is the most common route as it is the least invasive and most convenient for most residents.
Question 2: A resident who takes warfarin (a blood thinner) should be monitored for which complication?
- Increased appetite
- Unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding (Correct answer)
- Elevated blood sugar
- Improved circulation
Correct answer: Unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding
Warfarin reduces blood clotting ability, so signs of bleeding such as bruising or prolonged cuts must be monitored closely.
Question 3: Which action by a caregiver regarding medication is outside their legal scope of practice in most US states?
- Reminding the resident it is time for medication
- Observing and reporting side effects to the nurse
- Independently administering a prescription medication without nurse direction (Correct answer)
- Storing medications according to facility policy
Correct answer: Independently administering a prescription medication without nurse direction
In most US states, administering prescription medications independently is reserved for licensed nurses and is outside a CNA's scope of practice.
Question 4: Which of the following is a potential side effect of diuretic medications commonly used in seniors?
- Fluid retention and swelling
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (Correct answer)
- Increased blood pressure
- Constipation
Correct answer: Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Diuretics increase urinary output, which can lead to dehydration and dangerous electrolyte imbalances in seniors.
Question 5: When a resident is prescribed an antibiotic, why is it important they complete the full course?
- To prevent medication waste
- To ensure all bacteria are eliminated and prevent antibiotic resistance (Correct answer)
- Because antibiotics cause dependency if stopped early
- Partial courses cause allergic reactions
Correct answer: To ensure all bacteria are eliminated and prevent antibiotic resistance
Completing the full antibiotic course eliminates the infection and prevents the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Question 6: What should a caregiver do if they find a resident's medication on the floor?
- Pick it up and administer it to the resident
- Flush it down the toilet immediately
- Do not administer it; report and document the incident to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Place it back in the medication cup for later
Correct answer: Do not administer it; report and document the incident to the nurse
A medication found on the floor is considered contaminated and should not be administered; the nurse must be notified.
Senior Care Medication Management 2
What is the most common route of medication administration in long-term care facilities?