Medication Aides Responsibilities and Ethics

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is an example of documenting?

The medication aide administers eyedrops to a resident and records the event on the resident's chart. (correct)

The medication aide submits a written request to her supervisor to change from afternoon to morning shifts.

The resident keeps a list of her medications at her bedside.

The nurse provides the medication aide with a list of medications for a new resident.

Medication aides are responsible for:

Administering only nonprescription medications to residents according to physicians' orders and under a nurse's supervision.

Deciding the amount of medication to administer to a resident based on observation.

Administering prescription and nonprescription medications to residents according to physicians' orders and under a nurse's supervision. (correct)

Determining which residents need assistance taking medications and helping those residents.

Another name for a 'medication aide' is:

Pharmacist's assistant

Medication technician (correct)

Medication coordinator

Pharmacology technician

Providing person-centered care includes:

Treating all residents as individuals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

For a medication aide, behaving professionally involves:

Doing only assigned tasks that the MA is trained to do. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should a medication aide do if she is assigned to perform a task she has not been trained to do?

The MA should refuse the task and explain why she must refuse it. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following cases might the medication aide be held liable for harming a resident?

The medication aide crushes a medication that is labeled DO NOT CRUSH and sprinkles it on applesauce to make it easier for the resident to swallow. The resident's heart rate and blood pressure drop to dangerously low levels. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When communicating with a resident who is difficult to understand, the MA should:

Take the time to listen to the resident, asking her to repeat herself if necessary. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can a medication aide use effective communication skills to help promote resident safety?

The medication aide can listen to the resident's concerns and report her questions to the nurse. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the scope of practice of a medication aide?

Scope of practice may not always be defined by law, but it is always defined within a facility. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the difference between laws and ethics?

Ethics guide a person to behave responsibly and laws enforce that behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a medication aide realizes he has made a mistake, when is the best time to report it?

Immediately (D) Signup and view all the answers

The term controlled substance refers to:

A medication that is considered more likely to be abused. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most important thing for a medication aide to know prior to performing an assigned task?

Whether the task assigned is within her scope of practice. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A medication aide is never allowed to:

Receive medication orders by phone. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most professional and respectful way for a medication aide to refuse a task they are not trained or allowed to perform?

'This task is outside my scope of practice and I am not legally allowed to complete it.' (A) Signup and view all the answers

The right to privacy and confidentiality:

Ensures the resident's right to speak privately to anyone. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In healthcare settings, diversion refers to:

Theft of prescribed medications. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a medication aide's role in preventing diversion?

Practicing careful and accurate documentation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of negligence on the part of an MA?

Leaving a resident's medications on his bedside table because the resident is asleep. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In pharmacology, the acronym ADME stands for:

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true of liquid medications?

They may be easier for residents to take in than pills. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are considered solid medications?

Capsules, powders, and caplets. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A controlled release medication cannot be ____________.

split or crushed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about medicated patches?

They are administered by sticking them to the skin. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true of generic medications?

Generic medication names are usually based on the medication's active ingredients. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The __________ route is the most common route of administration for medications.

oral. Signup and view all the answers

The otic administration route is via the __________.

ear. Signup and view all the answers

How might a resident's gender affect the way a medication works within that person's body?

Medication generally remains in a woman's body for a longer period of time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The study of pharmacogenetics is the study of how a person's __________ affect(s) the way medications work in his body.

genes. Signup and view all the answers

Medication aides should be aware that certain such as may affect the body's response to some medications.

herbal supplements - grapefruit juice. Signup and view all the answers

Medication aides are permitted to administer medications via the following routes:

Oral, intravenous, and transdermal. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important reason not to use household spoons for liquid medication administration?

There is wide variation in the size of household spoons, and this leads to inaccurate dosing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a prescription and a medication order?

Medication orders are filled in a healthcare setting while prescriptions are filled on an outpatient basis. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following providers is authorized to order medications?

Nurse Practitioner (NP) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a clinical trial?

The monitored testing of a new medication to determine effectiveness (B) Signup and view all the answers

When a medication aide is given a stat medication order he should:

Administer the medication immediately. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The process by which a drug works by activating receptors is known as _, and the process by which a drug works by deactivating receptors is known as __.

Agonism-antagonism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about medication side effects is true?

Most side effects do not cause serious harm. (D) Signup and view all the answers

On a medication order the strength of a medication refers to:

The amount of active ingredient in one unit. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the information contained in a MAR and an eMAR?

An eMAR and a MAR contain the same information regarding a resident's medications. (B) Signup and view all the answers

An example of a systemic side effect is:

Hypertension after long-term use of a corticosteroid. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A side effect is a(n) _ reaction to a medication, while an adverse drug reaction may be ___________.

Predictable-unpredictable Signup and view all the answers

When should the medication aide document the administration of a medication to a resident?

Immediately after the medication is administered. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a resident refuses a medication:

The refusal must be documented. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a category of adverse drug reaction (ADR)?

Paradoxical reaction (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important reason medication documentation must be accurate?

Because decisions about a resident's care are based on these records. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible symptom of anaphylaxis?

Trouble breathing that begins five minutes after medication ingestion (A) Signup and view all the answers

Drug tolerance occurs when:

The drug no longer produces the desired response. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of objective information?

Ms. Fox drank half a cup of tea (4 fluid ounces) and ate one bite of toast for breakfast. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the medication aide's role related to a resident who may be developing drug tolerance?

The medication aide should report any observed changes in the resident's status. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events should be immediately reported to a supervisor?

Swelling of the lips and tongue. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If an MAR is missing any information the medication aide should:

Contact a supervisor prior to administering the medication. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true of drug-drug interactions?

Some drug-drug interactions can produce a beneficial effect. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements concerning herbal supplements is true?

Herbal supplements may interact with medications and a resident's doctor must know if they are taken. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it so important for the medication aide to ask a supervisor questions when a medication order is unclear or seems unsuited to a resident's needs?

Because possible medication errors directly impact the resident's health and safety. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a medication aide to understand medication calculations and conversions even if she cannot perform them?

Understanding calculations and conversions allows the medication aide to detect potential errors. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a 'right' of medication administration?

The right time (C) Signup and view all the answers

In medication administration, the right route refers to:

Getting a medication into or onto the resident's body in the correct manner. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The most commonly used system of measurement in healthcare settings is:

The metric system. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is equivalent to 0.50 g?

500 mg (D) Signup and view all the answers

When is the 'right' time for the medication aide to administer medications?

Within 30-60 minutes of the time indicated on the resident's MAR. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the metric system, liquids are measured in:

Milliliters. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be considered a medication administration error?

One resident receives an application of OTC muscle ointment intended for another resident with a similar last name. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Medications should be administered along with food:

When indicated on the MAR (C) Signup and view all the answers

In medicine, toxicity is:

A poisoning effect caused by a medication. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Prior to administering any medication, the medication aide must first establish the resident's __________.

Identity Signup and view all the answers

Household measurements are _______________ than metric measurements.

less precise. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about an MA's role in holding medications?

An MA should only hold a medication if it is indicated by the MAR. (A) Signup and view all the answers

There are ________ mL in a teaspoon.

<ol start="5"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a medication has a narrow therapeutic window?

The maximum dosage in the dosage range is very close to the minimum therapeutic dose. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should a medication aide report to a nurse prior to administering a resident's medication?

Any change in the resident's status or condition should be reported. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a boxed warning?

A required warning related to serious or life-threatening medication side effects. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true of a medication aide's duties as part of the care team?

The medication aide spends the most time with residents and is considered the 'eyes and ears' of the care team. (B) Signup and view all the answers

An MA looking for reliable information about a drug he has never administered before should:

Use the facility's drug reference book (D) Signup and view all the answers

A contraindication is:

A reason a certain medication should not be taken by a particular resident or should be taken with caution (A) Signup and view all the answers

Most medications should be stored in a ___ and kept away from .

Dry area-sunlight Signup and view all the answers

When should a medication storage area be kept locked?

Any time it is not actively in use. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A medication aide can help promote safety in a facility by:

Keeping keys to medication storage areas and carts secure (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should a medication aide know concerning medication disposal?

All disposal of medications must be documented regardless of reason. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Unit dose packaging contains:

A single dose of a medication. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Another common term for a blister pack is:

Bubble pack (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common form of prescription medication packaging in a long-term care facility?

Blister packs (D) Signup and view all the answers

A ____________ is a mobile medication storage system from which a medication aide passes and documents medication administration.

Medication cart Signup and view all the answers

A medication aide should perform hand hygiene handling medications of any type and _____ residents.

Before-between Signup and view all the answers

Solid medications are usually placed:

In a souffle cup (B) Signup and view all the answers

The medication aide should wear gloves:

When administering medications to the resident's eyes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the medication aide's responsibility when a resident refuses a medication?

The medication aide should honor and document the refusal and report it to the nurse. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these examples is a way for a medication aide to practice person-centered care?

Encouraging independence by allowing the resident to choose what time to take her medication (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can make swallowing oral medications easier for a resident?

Sipping water first to moisten the mouth (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the medication aide's responsibilities during medication preparation?

MAs must check the resident's MAR several times throughout the process of preparing and passing medications. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The MA should minimize _______________ when preparing medications.

Distractions Signup and view all the answers

What piece of information is always included on a prescription medication label?

Medication strength by dose (B) Signup and view all the answers

The resident's and the on the medication label must match the resident's _.

Full name-medication name-MAR Signup and view all the answers

One souffle cup should contain:

All solid oral medications to be administered to the same resident at one time (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between medication strength and a medication dose?

Medication strength refers to the amount of active ingredient per unit-medication dose refers to how much medication is to be administered at one time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of safety checks an MA must perform while preparing medications?

Three (A) Signup and view all the answers

When transferring a medication from a blister pack to a souffle cup the medication aide should:

Press the pill through the foil and into the souffle cup without touching it (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following might be used as an alternative to a medicine cup for measuring a dose of a liquid medication?

An oral syringe (A) Signup and view all the answers

The final check an MA should make of a resident's medication before passing it is when the medication is _________.

Placed in the dosage or souffle cup (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of medications can be split (if indicated in the resident's MAR)?

A scored tablet (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medication Aides: Responsibilities and Practices

Medication aides administer medications to residents under supervision, following physician's orders, and are responsible for accurate documentation.
They must treat residents with person-centered care, acknowledging individual needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Professional behavior includes strictly adhering to assigned tasks within their scope of practice and communicating effectively with supervisors when unsure about assignments.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Medication aides could be liable for harm if they act outside their training or ignore safety protocols, such as crushing medications that are labeled not to be crushed.
Confidentiality and privacy rights are protected under HIPAA, ensuring residents can discuss health matters privately.
Understanding the difference between laws (which impose legal requirements) and ethics (which guide responsible behavior) is essential for practice.

Pharmacology and Medication Administration

Pharmacology principles include ADME: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion—key processes that determine how medications work in the body.
The term "controlled substance" refers to medications that have a higher potential for abuse and regulatory oversight.
Medication aides must be aware of medication types (liquids, solids, etc.) and appropriate routes of administration, ensuring proper techniques are followed.

Communication and Documentation

Effective communication is crucial when conveying residents’ concerns and ensuring clarity regarding medication orders.
Documentation should occur immediately after medication administration and in cases of refusal to ensure accurate record-keeping and patient safety.

Measurement and Calculations

The metric system is the standard measurement system used in healthcare; it is more precise than household measurements.
Medication calculations, even if not directly performed by aides, are essential for recognizing potential errors in dosage or administration methods.
Understanding liquid measurements (e.g., milliliters in a teaspoon) aids in accurate medication delivery.

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Side effects are common reactions, but they vary among individuals; most do not result in serious harm.
Distinction between side effects and adverse drug reactions includes that side effects are typically predictable while adverse reactions can be severe and unexpected.

Clinical Trials and Drug Action

Clinical trials are essential for testing new medications by monitoring their effectiveness and safety prior to widespread use.
Drug mechanisms of action are understood through agonism (activating receptors) and antagonism (deactivating receptors), crucial for developing drug therapies.

Key Terminology

Individual medication aide roles vary based on facility policies, training, and scope of practice.
Terminology such as "narrow therapeutic window" indicates a small margin between effective and harmful doses, necessitating careful monitoring.

By focusing on these core concepts, medication aides can ensure resident safety, effective communication, and a thorough understanding of their role in medication management.### Adverse Drug Reactions

Paradoxical reactions are categorized as adverse drug reactions (ADR).
Drug tolerance means the drug no longer produces the desired response.

Anaphylaxis Symptoms

Trouble breathing shortly after medication ingestion signals a potential anaphylactic reaction.

Medication Administration Rights

The "right time" for administration is within 30-60 minutes of the prescribed time as indicated on the resident's MAR.
The "right route" refers to administering medication in the appropriate manner for effective results.

Medication Aide Responsibilities

Monitor and report any changes in a resident's condition before administering medications.
Document refusals of medication and notify a nurse accordingly.

Drug Interactions and Herbal Supplements

Some drug-drug interactions can yield beneficial effects.
Herbal supplements may interact with prescription medications and should be reported to a resident’s doctor.

Medication Preparation and Safety

Prepare medications in a distraction-free environment to enhance safety.
A mobile medication storage system known as a medication cart is utilized for passing and documenting administration.

Storage and Disposal of Medications

Medications should be stored in a cool, dry area away from sunlight.
All medication disposal must be documented to ensure accountability.

Dosage and Administration

Unit dose packaging includes a single dose of medication for accurate administration.
Solid medications are typically placed in souffle cups for convenience during administration.

Safety Checks and Verification

A minimum of three safety checks is required while preparing medications to maintain accuracy.
Ensure the resident's identity matches the medication label to prevent incorrect administration.

Special Circumstances in Medication Administration

Use gloves when administering eye medications to prevent contamination.
An oral syringe can be an alternative to measuring liquid medications instead of a standard medicine cup.

Proper Handling of Medications

Handle pills carefully by their edges to prevent contamination when transferring from a blister pack to a souffle cup.
Scored tablets can be split, as indicated in the MAR, to provide proper dosing.

Patient-Centered Care

Encourage residents to make decisions regarding their medication timing to foster independence in care.

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Description

This quiz covers the key responsibilities and ethical considerations for medication aides. Topics include safe medication administration, legal liabilities, and the importance of confidentiality under HIPAA. Test your knowledge on how medication aides can provide person-centered care while adhering to professional standards.