A medication aide (MA) is not usually allowed to administer a drug:
A. If it is the first time a resident takes it
B. If the drug is for a heart condition
C. If the drug is for a chronic illness
D. If a doctor has not provided written approval
Correct Answer: A. If it is the first time a resident takes it
Rationale:
First-time medication administration typically requires a licensed nurse to monitor for adverse
reactions. Medication aides usually administer routine, previously prescribed medications.
Question 2
Which of the following is an example of a drug–disease interaction?
A. A person with hypertension has elevated blood pressure after taking an OTC cold medication
B. A person with depression has a mood change after starting a new medication
C. A medication becomes less effective after long-term use
D. A person taking blood pressure medication has occasional low readings
Correct Answer: A. A person with hypertension has elevated blood pressure after taking an
OTC cold medication
Rationale:
Some OTC cold medications contain decongestants that raise blood pressure, worsening
hypertension—a classic drug–disease interaction.
Question 3
A nebulizer or inhaler does what to a medication so it can be inhaled and reach the lungs?
A. Dissolves it
B. Concentrates it
C. Injects it
D. Aerosolizes it
,Correct Answer: D. Aerosolizes it
Rationale:
Nebulizers and inhalers aerosolize medication, turning it into a fine mist that can be inhaled
directly into the lungs.
Question 4
Failing to shake a liquid medication that requires shaking is an example of:
A. Diversion
B. Physical abuse
C. Negligence
D. Fraud
Correct Answer: C. Negligence
Rationale:
Not following proper medication administration procedures—such as shaking suspensions—can
lead to incorrect dosing and is considered negligence.
Question 5
Which of the following is a topical medication?
A. A powder mixed with liquid and swallowed
B. A liquid turned into a mist and inhaled
C. A spray administered through the nostrils
D. An ointment applied to the skin
Correct Answer: D. An ointment applied to the skin
Rationale:
Topical medications are applied directly to the skin and act locally.
Question 6
If a resident’s MAR indicates that the pulse rate must be checked before administering a
medication, how often must the MA count and document the pulse?
A. Once per day
B. Only if the resident seems unwell
C. When the resident appears anxious
D. Every time the medication is administered
, Correct Answer: D. Every time the medication is administered
Rationale:
When monitoring is ordered, vital signs must be checked and documented each time before
administering the medication to ensure safety.
Question 7
Which action demonstrates respect for a resident’s right to participate in her own care?
A. Ensuring the resident takes all medications regardless of preference
B. Respecting the resident’s right to refuse a medication
C. Providing privacy during visits
D. Reporting medication errors promptly
Correct Answer: B. Respecting the resident’s right to refuse a medication
Rationale:
Residents have the legal and ethical right to make informed decisions, including refusing
medications, even if refusal is not recommended
Question 1
The therapeutic dose of a medication is high enough to be ___________ and low enough to
avoid ___________.
A. Toxic; effectiveness
B. Effective; toxicity
C. Tolerated; side effects
D. Administered; anaphylaxis
Correct Answer: B. Effective; toxicity
Rationale:
A therapeutic dose produces the desired effect without causing harmful or toxic effects.
Question 2
Why should healthcare workers not put a zero (0) after a decimal when writing whole numbers?
A. It saves time
B. It takes up less space
C. It is inaccurate
D. It could be read incorrectly
Correct Answer: D. It could be read incorrectly