Answers (2025–2026) – Complete Practice and Study
Guide
Introduction:
This document provides a full collection of verified Med Aide exam
questions and answers tailored to South Dakota’s 2025–2026
certification requirements. It covers essential medication
administration topics including pharmacology basics, medication
safety, topical and transdermal drug application, patient
confidentiality, and emergency procedures. Each question is paired
with a clear, precise answer, making it ideal for exam preparation
and on-the-job reference.
Exam Questions and Answers
The absorption of a topical drug is affected by what? --- correct
precise answer ---The strength of the drug, how long it's in contact
with the skin, the size of the area it's applied to, skin thickness,
amount of water in the tissues, and amount of skin breakdown or
irritation
Why are drugs applied topically? --- correct precise answer ---
Clean and debride/ remove a wound (wounds are debrided to
remove dirt, damaged tissue, foreign objects and drainage. This is
to help prevent infection and promote healing.) , Hydrate (add
water) the skin, reduce inflammation, relieve itching or a rash,
,provide a protective barrier to the skin, and reduce thickening of
the skin. For example callous formation.
Before applying a topical dose form what do you need from the
MAR, nurse, and care plan? --- correct precise answer ---If isolation
precautions are required, special measures for cleaning and drying
the skin, what cleansing agent to use, the exact site of the
application, if the application needs to be covered, what
observations to report and record, which patient, and when to
report observations.
If you use gloves to apply a cream what finger do you use? ---
correct precise answer ---The index/pointer finger
Don't forget to what before you go to apply anything? --- correct
precise answer ---Knock, say the person's name, say your name and
title, explain the procedure, protect their rights, and handle them
gently.
Applying nitroglycerin ointment? --- correct precise answer ---This
ointment is used to prevent angina. It relaxes the heart's blood
vessels and increases the blood and oxygen supply to the heart. The
dosage applied must be accurate.
, To properly apply nitroglycerin ointment what do you do? ---
correct precise answer ---Apply it to clean, dry skin that has little
or no hair. Don't shave the area it'll just cause irritation. Don't
apply it to already irritated skin. Wear gloves. Check the MAR and
ask the person if they've ever had the application before and where.
Remove the old application before applying a new one. Rotate the
application site. Don't rub or massage. Date time and name and title
must be applied to the tape securing the application. Document on
the MAR when done.
Topical drug absorption is affected by the following except what?
The time of application, how long it's in contact with the skin, akin
thickness, or amount of water in the tissues? --- correct precise
answer ---The time of application
A topical drug is applied to debride a wound. Debriding is done to
what? --- correct precise answer ---Promote healing
Which of the following is a watery preparation? Cream, lotion,
ointment, or powder? --- correct precise answer ---Lotion
Which of the following application do you shake? --- correct precise
answer ---Lotion