Definitions

Administer: to give out, insert or apply medication to a person.

Controlled Substance: Medications that have the potential to be addictive and used in a
way other than the medication was prescribed; a system must be in place to account for
receipt, administration and disposition of each medication.

Dispense: Preparing and packaging a prescription medication in a container with

information required by state and federal law; anytime more than one dose of medication
from a supply is placed in another container and labeled, it is considered dispensing.

Dispensing Practitioner: A licensed health professional who has the authority to dispense
medications; a pharmacist is the dispensing practitioner you may be the most familiar with.

Document: To record or write; Documentation of the administration of medications is

required on the medication administration record (MAR) or treatment administration
record (TAR)

Medication Administration Record (MAR): A record that lists all of the medications
ordered for the resident, including routine or regularly scheduled medications and PRN
medications; It is used to document or record the administration of medications.

Medication / Drug: Another word used for drug; a substance or mixture of substances
used in the diagnosis, cure treatment or prevention of disease.

Medication Pass: Scheduled time of the day when medications are administered to
residents.

Non-controlled Medications: All other prescription medications that are not listed as
controlled substances.

OTC Medications: Over-the-counter or non-prescription medications; medications which

can be purchased or obtained without a prescription; however, you need a physician’s order
to administer them.

Prescription Medications: Medications that can only be obtained or purchased through an

order or prescription written by a physician or prescribing practitioner.

PRN – as needed or if necessary; PRN medications are not scheduled to be administered at

specific times.

Report: To make known, to give information about something.

Side effects: Any effect other than the desired effect; unwanted effects or adverse
reactions from a medication.

Transcribe: To transfer written information from one place to another; information on the
physician’s order must be transcribed to the medication administration record (MAR).

Vital Signs: Measurement of a person’s heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing and

temperature.

Abbreviations/Medical Terminology

Match each term in Column 1 with Column 2 by the abbreviation for each term.
Column 1: Term Column 2: Abbreviation
1. Hour of sleep or bedtime A. qod or QOD
2. Twice a day B. qd or QD
3. Subcutaneous C. bid or BID
 4. Every other day D. sq. or SQ
5. Once a day E. HS or qhs

Column 1: Term Column 2: Abbreviation

6. gram A. pc
7. milligram B. mg
8. after meals C. Over-the-Counter
9. OTC D. gm
10. by mouth E. po

Column 1:Abbreviation Column 2: Term

11. q A. Teaspoonful
12. ac B. Before meals
13. qid or QID C. As needed
14. tsp D. Every
15. prn or PRN E. Four times a day

Column 1:Abbreviation Column 2: Term

16. Tbsp A. Three times daily
17. tid or TID B. Milliliter
18. ml C. Ounce
19. oz D. Tablespoonful
20. MAR E. Medication administration record

1
21. The following are abbreviations for drug routes, EXCEPT:

A. PO
B. IM
C. PD
D. SL

22. You receive an order for Nitroglycerin to be given sublingually. It would be given:
 A. Under the tongue
B. By mouth
C. Instilled in the ear
D. Applied to the skin

23.The following are abbreviations for dosages or strengths of medications EXCEPT:

A. mg
B. ml
C. gm
D. PD

24.If you are not sure of an abbreviation, it is O.K. to guess

A. True B. False

25.It is important to know the policy on approved abbreviations for your facility. A.

True B. False

26.A milliliter is the same as a milligram.

A. True B. False

Regulations

27. Over-the-counter drugs may be kept as floor stock or house stock in an adult care
home.

A. True B. False

28. When administering medications, it is O.K. to leave a resident’s medication at the

bedside if the resident is present.

A. True B. False

29. You are legally responsible for any medication or treatment you administer.
 A. True B. False

30. Medications should be given within one hour before or one hour after the prescribed or
scheduled time of administration.

A. True B. False

31. Residents have a right to refuse medications.

A. True B. False

32. Oral medications must be stored separately from topical or external medications. A.

True B. False

33. Staff giving medications in adult care homes have to demonstrate certain skills with
administering medications and be checked off or validated by a registered nurse or
registered pharmacist.

A. True B. False

34. Regulations for the accountability or recordkeeping of controlled substances differ

from the regulations for non-controlled medications.

A. True B. False

35. Unlicensed staff in adult care homes may administer intramuscular (IM) injections and
subcutaneous (SQ) injections.

A. True B. False

36. A telephone or verbal order for medications and treatments must be signed by the
person who prescribed the medications within:

A. 15 days from the date the order is given.

B. 30 days from the date the order is given.
C. 20 days from the date the order is given.
D. None of the above

37. Information or documentation on the MAR for PRN (as needed) medications that are
administered includes:

A. the amount or quantity of medication administered.

B. the specific time of administration.
C. the initials of the person administering the medication.
D. the effectiveness of the medication.
E. all of the above.
38. Mr. Jones, a resident of an adult care home, is going to visit his family for the week. The
proper way to prepare Mr. Jones’ prescription medications to take with him would be to:

A. Remove the amount of medications needed for the week from the resident’s supply of
medication, place the medications in labeled containers and document the
medications sent on the appropriate facility form.
B. Send the medications in containers that have been filled and labeled by a pharmacist
and document the medications sent on the appropriate facility form.

39. The resident’s physician or prescribing practitioner is to be contacted about the

resident’s medication orders:

A. if the FL-2 is not dated and signed within 24 hours of admission to the facility. B.
when the medication orders on a FL-2 and discharge summary do not match. C. if a
medication order is incomplete or unclear.
D. all of the above.

40. The facility is required to maintain or keep all medication orders for a resident:

A. in the resident’s record in the facility.

B. at the pharmacy.
C. in any type of notebook or record, as long as the order is in the facility.
D. in the resident’s room.

41. The following statement about non-prescription (OTC) medications is FALSE:

A. They may be kept in the original container with the manufacturer’s label and
expiration date.
B. They may be packaged and labeled by a pharmacist.
C. They may be administered to a resident without a physician’s order.
D. They can produce unwanted effects.

42. Which of the following is TRUE when prepouring or preparing medications in

advance:

A. Oral solid medications (tablets and capsules) for routine administration may be
prepared within 24 hours of the prescribed time for administration.
B. PRN medications may be prepared in advance.
C. Medications may be crushed at the time the medications are prepoured or prepared in
advance.
D. A, B, and C are true.

43. You have to document on MAR when a medication is:

A. Administered
B. Refused
C. Omitted
 D. All of the above.

44. In order for a medication to be administered you must have:

A. permission from the family

B. a drug handout of information from the pharmacist
C. a physician’s order

45. “As needed” (PRN) medications must be administered according to:

A. The facility’s administration time schedule for medications.

B. The resident’s choice of time and frequency.
C. The reason and frequency of administration specified in the physician’s order. D.
The family’s request on how often the medication can be given and for what
reasons.

46. When should medications be signed off on the MAR?

A. After a resident has been observed to actually take the medication B. After all the
residents have been administered their medications and observed to actually take the
medications
C. After the medication label is checked with the MAR
D. Before the county or state visits the home.

47. You remove a resident’s medications from the packages or containers and the resident
refuses to take his 12PM medications, you should:

A. Put each medication back into the appropriate container or package that the
medication came from.
B. Leave the medications with the resident in case the resident decides to take the
medications later.
C. Dispose of the medications in accordance with the facility’s policy and procedures. D.
Both A and C are correct.

48. When medications are stored in a refrigerator that is accessible to residents, the
medications are to be:

A. Stored in a separate container in the refrigerator.

B. Stored in a separate locked container in the refrigerator.
9. Three of the four statements below are requirements when residents administer their own medications.
Which one is not a requirement for self-administration?

A. A physician’s order is necessary for the resident to self-administer. B. The physician is contacted if
there is a change in the resident’s physical or mental abilities.
C. The medications are to be stored in a safe and secure manner.
D. The resident has to be observed to take each dose of medication.

Medication Administration

50. One of the best ways of identifying the correct resident is to:

A. Ask another staff member.

B. Ask another resident.
C. Ask residents to spell their names.
D. Use photographs of the residents.

51. Checking the medication label against the MAR three times should always:

A. Be done with each medication administered to each resident.

B. Be done by the new staff members.
C. Be done if you do not know the resident.
D. Be done if it is a new medication order.

52. All of the following are examples of medication errors EXCEPT one. Which one of the
following is NOT a medication error?

A. the omission of a prescribed medication.

B. the refusal of medication by a resident.
C. failing to perform any of the six rights of medication administration. D.
administering medications that have not been prescribed including OTCs or non
prescription medications.

53. If you are unable to read the physician’s handwriting on a prescription or health
services record or the directions for a medication are incomplete, you should:

A. Leave the orders for the staff on the next shift.

B. Contact your supervisor, the pharmacist or the physician.
C. Ask the resident or a family member.
D. Use your best “guess.”

54. When a resident has difficulty swallowing, the resident is at risk for:
 A. Asthma
B. Aspiration
C. Arrhythmia
D. Arthritis

55. When applying a topical medication, you should wear:

A. A waterproof gown.
B. A mask.
C. Gloves.
D. A mask and gloves.

56. An inhaler must be shaken:

A. Before each and every time you use it.

B. After each and every time you use it.
C. If the physician orders more than one puff to be administered to the resident. D.
Only if it becomes clogged.

57. After the resident has received nose drops, the resident should:

A. Remain with his head tilted slightly back for about 60 minutes.
B. Blow his nose.
C. Remain with his head tilted slightly forward for a few minutes.
D. Lie down with head lower than shoulders for a few minutes.

58. If a resident is using the bathroom at the time you are to administer the resident’s
medications, it is acceptable to:

A. Flag the MAR to remind you to return to that resident later in the medication pass to
administer the medications.
B. Omit the medications and record the medications were not administered on the
MAR.
C. Administer the medications while the resident is using the bathroom.
D. A and C.

59. Which of the following statement is NOT true about allergies and medications?

A. An allergy is a reaction that occurs as the result of an unusual sensitivity to a

medication or other substance.
B. Allergic reactions can include rashes, swelling, itching but are never life
threatening.
C. Document all allergies in the resident’s record, or document “No Known Allergies”, if
the resident does not have any allergies.
D. All allergic reactions or suspected reactions should be reported promptly to the
supervisor, nurse, physician or pharmacist according to facility policy.

60. All of the following are considered reasons for medication errors, EXCEPT:

A. Transcribing information incorrectly onto the MAR.

B. Administering medications by the directions on the medication label without using
 the MAR.
C. Checking the medication label with the MAR when administering medications. D.
Administering medications by memory.

61. Medication errors may:

A. interfere with how effective the medication will be.

B. produce bad reactions.
C. threaten the resident’s life.
D. all of the above.

62. Never administer medications that:

A. are discolored.
B. are outdated or expired.
C. both A and B.

63. If you have to calculate dosages, it is best to:

A. ask the resident the correct dosage.

B. do your best calculations and administer the medication.
C. ask the supervisor, nurse or the pharmacist to calculate the dosage with you.

64. How many minutes should a medication prescribed “before meals” be administered
prior to eating?

A. 15 minutes
B. 5 minutes
C. 30 minutes
D. 60 minutes

65. When administering medications, the main concern with leaving medications at the
bedside is that:

A. the resident may never take the medications and someone else may.
B. the medications may accumulate dust.
C. it may increase confusion.
D. a staff member might report you.

66. When administering medications, it is safe practice to:

A. rely only on the color of the medication.

B. rely only on the shape of the medication.
C. rely only on the location of the container.
D. read the label and the MAR each time a medication’s administered.
 67. When a medication cannot be administered on time:

A. document the reason for the delay on the MAR.

B. call the resident’s family.
C. don’t worry about it and continue with your work.
D. tell the kitchen staff.

68. If the resident expresses concern about a medication you are about to administer:

A. give it anyway.
B. walk away and document “refused”.
C. double check the medication and dosage information.
D. give it to his roommate.

69. The medication label and the MAR are compared:

A. When selecting or removing the medication from the supply or storage area. B.
Before pouring the medication.
C. After pouring and before returning the medication to the supply or storage area. D.
All of the above.

70. A resident returns from a home visit and the resident’s mother brings an over-the
counter medication that she purchased and asks you to administer it for cold
symptoms, you should:

A. Give the medication as requested.

B. Refuse and throw the medication away.
C. Explain to the mother that even over-the-counter medications require a physician’s
order.

71. You are with a resident at a doctor’s appointment. The physician writes an order for
Amoxicillin and you know the chart is flagged “Allergic to Amoxicillin”. You should:

A. Administer the medicine as ordered, the physician knows best.

B. Remind the physician of the allergy warning.
C. Pull the allergy label off the record.

72. When new orders are received, the MAR is changed to reflect the new orders.

A. True B. False

73. A resident’s allergies should be documented on the MAR and the resident’s record. A.

True B. False

74. A drug reference book is a helpful tool to identify or find information on medications
and dosages and side effects.
 A. True B. False

75. If you question a dosage, give the medication then call the pharmacy.

A. True B. False

76. A medication cannot cause a resident to be confused.

A. True B. False

77. A delay in administering a medication may cause a life-threatening incident. A.

True B. False

78. A medication that is ordered sublingually may be chewed or swallowed.

A. True B. False

79. Side effects of medications may include:

A. Change in behavior.
B. Rash.
C. Change in swallowing.
D. Change in mobility or walking.
E. All of the above.

80. A medication arrives from the pharmacy, and there is no order for the medication on
the MAR, you should:

A. Copy the directions on the medication label onto the MAR.

B. Administer the medication according to the directions on the medication label. C.
Look in the resident’s record for an order and/or notify the supervisor, nurse, or
pharmacist before administering the medication.
D. Omit the medication and write a note for the next shift to check on it.

81. When you are administering a medication and the order on the MAR does not match
the directions on the medication label, you should:

A. Administer the medication according to the MAR.

B. Notify the supervisor, nurse or pharmacist and/or look in the resident’s record for
 the current medication order.
C. Administer the medications according to the directions on the medication label. D.
Omit the medication and leave a note for the next shift.

82. A resident has just returned to the facility from the hospital and the medication order on
the FL-2 is “Continue previous medications”. You should:

A. Ask the resident or family if there were any medication changes. B. Administer the
medications that the resident was receiving prior to hospitalization. C. Contact the
resident’s physician for medication orders.

83. “Ambien 5mg po as needed for sleep”:

A. is a complete medication order

B. is an incomplete order

84. A medication order is transcribed onto the MAR:

A. Only after the medication arrives from the pharmacy.

B. Only after the family brings in the medication
C. Only after a physician’s order for the medication is received by the facility. D.
All of the above.

85. When measuring liquids, which of the following statements is FALSE:

A. A teaspoon or tablespoon from the kitchen may be used.

B. A calibrated syringe or dropper is often necessary for measuring amounts less than
5ml and unequal or odd amounts.
C. When using a medication cup, it should be placed on a flat surface and measured at
eye level.
D. You never approximate or guess the amount of medication to administer.

86. When administering two or more different eye drops at the same time, which of the
following apply:

A. Wash your hands prior to and after administration of the eyedrops.

B. Wear gloves when there is redness, drainage or possibility of infection.

C. Allow a 3-5 minute period between administration of each eye medication.

D. Sign/initial the medication administration record (MAR) after the administration of
 each type of eye drop.
E. All of the above.

87. Before administering a “PRN” medication, you need to:

A. Know the reason the medication is being requested and ask the resident when the
medication was last administered.
B. Know the reason the medication is being requested and look at the MAR to see
when the medication was last administered.

88. Mrs. Smith has an order for Darvocet N-100 1 tablet every 4 hours as needed for pain.
According to the MARs, she has been taking the Darvocet at 8AM, 12PM, 4PM and 8PM
every day for the past 2 months. Which of the following statement is correct?

A. Schedule the Darvocet for 8AM, 12PM, 4 PM and 8PM on the (MAR) B. Just
continue to administer the medication when Mrs. Smith requests the Darvocet. C. Mrs.
Smith’s physician should be contacted about how often Mrs. Smith is taking the
Darvocet.

89. You are assigned to administer 8:00AM medications today. It is 8:00AM and the
residents need to be at the workshop by 8:00AM, the van is waiting. You should:

A. Pour medications from memory.

B. Get the untrained staff (no medication training) to assist you.
C. Administer medications as you were trained, even if this means the residents will be
late for the workshop.
D. Tell the residents you will bring their medications to the workshop and administer
them later.

90. Mr. Cook who is an alert and oriented resident refuses all of his morning medications.
He says the medications do not help him and he doesn’t need them. Your best response is
to:

A. Encourage the resident to take the medications by explaining the importance and
purposes of the medications.
B. Tell the resident “ Your physician said that you must take this medication.” And
force him to take the medications.
C. Hide the medication in the resident’s food or drink.
D. Leave the medications with resident, in case he decides to take them later

91. When administering medications this morning, Mrs. Walls is extremely difficult to
wake up. She is having difficulty with swallowing her medications. You should:

A. Crush her medications so she will be able to swallow the medications and then
notify your supervisor, nurse or physician.
B. Hold her medications at this time and immediately notify your supervisor, nurse or
physician.
92. The physician orders Haldol Solution 2mg by mouth at bedtime. Which of the measuring devices
above would you use to measure 2mg of Haldol?

A. Medication Cup.
B. Tablespoon.
C. Oral Syringe.
D. Oral Dropper.
E. None of the above devices should be used.

93. The physician orders Potassium Chloride Solution 1 tablespoonful mixed with water or juice
every morning. Which of the measuring devices would you use to measure 1 tablespoon of
Potassium Chloride?

A. Medication Cup.
B. Tablespoon.
C. Both A (Medication Cup) and B (Tablespoon) may be used.

94. An order is received for Mellaril 10mg every morning. The physician orders Mellaril
Liquid, since the resident is not able to swallow tablets or capsules. Which of the measuring
devices above would you use to measure 10mg of Mellaril?
 A. Medication Cup.
B. Tablespoon.
C. Oral Syringe.
D. Oral Dropper.
E. None of the devices should be used.

95. The physician ordered Dilantin Suspension 4ml by mouth three times daily for a
resident. Which measuring device would you use to measure 4ml of Dilantin?

A. Medication Cup.
B. Tablespoon.
C. Oral Syringe.
D. Oral Dropper.
E. Both A (Medication Cup) and D (Oral Dropper).

Metric System

1 ounce (oz) = 30ml

1 Tablespoon (Tbsp) = 15ml
1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5ml
1 milliliter (ml) = 1 cubic centimeter (cc)

Use the above information on the metric system to answer questions 96 through 99.
96. The physician’s order is for Milk of Magnesia 2 Tbsp. by mouth at bedtime. How
much would you give using the metric system?

A. 30 ml.
B. 45 ml.
C. 10 ml.
D. 60 ml.

97. The physician’s order is for Lactulose 2 tsp. by mouth at bedtime. How much would
you give using the metric system?

A. 10 ml.
B. 15 ml.
C. 20 ml.
D. 30 ml.

98. The physician’s order is for Riopan Liquid 2 every 4 hours as needed for heartburn.
How much would you give using the metric system?

A. 1 ml.
B. 2 teaspoons.
C. 2 Tablespoons.
D. Can’t tell how much to give from this order.

99. The physician’s order is for Haldol Liquid Concentrate 2ml every 8 hours. How much
would you give?

A. 1 milligram (mg).
B. 2 milligrams (mg).
C. 5 milligrams (mg).
D. None of the above are correct.

Labels
Group Care Pharmacy
701 Barbour Drive
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-855-3765

Rx 200000 01/03/03

Jim Barefoot

Take one tablet by mouth three times daily before meals

and at bedtime.
 Metoclopramide 10mg #30 tablets

Dsp. By J. Brickley, RPh.

Dr. Doug Fitzgerald Refills: 0

Exp. 01/30/04
Use the prescription label to answer questions 100 through 103.

100. The order on the MAR for the above resident is: “Propulsid 10mg one tablet three
times daily before meals and at bedtime.” The medication container received from the
pharmacy is labeled as indicated above. You should:

A. Give the medication received from the pharmacy three times daily before meals
and at bedtime.
B. Not give the medication and leave a note for staff on the next shift.
C. Not give the medication and notify the supervisor, pharmacist, nurse or physician
according to the facility’s policy.

101. According to the prescription label, there are no refills for the medication. Which of
the following statements is true?

A. The medication should be discontinued after the 30 tablets are administered.

B. The physician should be contacted regarding the refills, before all the medication is
administered.

102. The name of the pharmacist is:

A. Dr. Doug Fitzgerald.

B. Jim Barefoot.
C. J. Brickley.
D. Not given.

103. If a prescription label becomes soiled or directions change, you should:

A. Write the directions on the medication label so everyone can read the directions. B.
Call the pharmacy for a new label and tape the new label over the soiled or incorrect
label.
C. Report it to the supervisor, nurse or pharmacist.
 Medication Administration Records

Refer to the medication administration record (MAR), Attachment A, on Page 24 to

answer questions 104 through 110.

104. The physician ordered Darvocet N-100 1 tablet every 4 hours by mouth as needed for
pain. The medication order for Darvocet is not transcribed correctly on the MAR
because:

A. Specific administration times are not scheduled for prn medications. B.

Administration times on the medication administration record (MAR) should
include 12PM and 4PM.

105. On 02/09/00, the physician discontinued Lasix 40mg by mouth once daily and
ordered Lasix 40mg by mouth twice daily. Were the orders for Lasix transcribed
correctly on the MAR?

A. Yes B. No
 106. On 02/06/00, the physician ordered Coumadin 5mg by mouth every other day. The
facility did not receive the Coumadin until 02/13/00. According to the MAR, was the
Coumadin administered as ordered?

A. Yes B. No

107. The physician ordered Tylenol 325mg 1 to 2 tablets by mouth twice daily. Is the
documentation for the administration of the Tylenol correct on the MAR? A. Yes B. No

108. On 02/03/00, the physician ordered Amoxicillin 250mg by mouth 3 times daily for 10
days. According to the MAR, was the Amoxicillin administered as ordered?

A. Yes B. No

109. The physician ordered Nitro-Dur (Nitroglycerin) 0.4mg patch with directions to
apply one patch every morning and remove at bedtime. Was the Nitroglycerin patch
administered as ordered, according to the MAR?

A. Yes B. No

110. On 02/08/00, the physician increased Capoten 25mg three times daily to Capoten 50mg
three times daily. Was the Capoten order for 50mg three times daily transcribed correctly
on the MAR?

A. Yes B. No

ATTACHMENT A Page 24 MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION RECORD

Medications Hour

DARVOCET-N-100 8AM
Take 1 tablet by
mouth every 4
hours as
needed for pain. 8PM

LASIX 40mg.
Take 1 tablet by
mouth once every 8AM
day
twice

4PM

COUMADIN 5mg.
Take 1 tablet by
mouth every other
day.

6PM
TYLENOL 325mg
Take 1 to 2 tablets
by mouth twice 8AM
daily.

8PM

AMOXICILLIN 250mg
Take 1 capsule by
mouth 3 times 8AM
daily for 10
days. 2PM

8PM

NITRO-DUR
0.4mg/hr PATCH ----
Apply 1 patch every 8AM
morning and
remove at bedtime

50mg
CAPOTEN 25mg
Take 1 tablet by 8AM
mouth 3 times
daily. 2PM

8PM

Charting for the month of: 2/01/00 through 2/29/00

Physician: Dr. Moses Telephone # 919-555-1212 Medical Record #:

 Alt. Physician: Alt. Physician Telephone #:

Allergies: No Known Allergies (NKA) Rehabilitation Potential:

Diagnosis: Admission Date: 5/03/96

Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension

Resident: Slippery Raccoon Date of Birth: 10/17/30 Room / bed #: BW999

Instructions: Result Codes: Injection/Patch Site Codes:

A. Put initials in appropriate box when medication given. 1. Effective 1-Right dorsal gluteus 7-Right deltoid

B. Circle initials when medication refused. 2. Ineffective 2-Left dorsal gluteus 8-Left deltoid

C. State reason for refusal on Nurse’s Notes. 3. Slightly Effective 3-Right upper chest 9-Right upper arm

D. PRN medication: Reason given should be noted on Nurse’s Notes. 4. No Effect Observed 4-Left upper chest 10-Left upper arm E. Indicate injection site
(code). 5-Right lateral thigh 11-Upper back left
6-Left lateral thigh 12-Upper back right

NURSE’S MEDICATION NOTES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Temperature

Respiration

Pulse

Blood
Pressure

Initials Nurse’s Signature Initials Nurse’s Signature

Charting Codes: A. chart error B. drug unavailable C. resident refused D. drug held E. dose contaminated F. out of facility G. see notes H. drug holiday

Date/Hour Medication/Dosage Rout Reason Initials Results/Response Initial

e s
 Infection Control

111. A used lancet or syringe should be discarded in:

A. The wastebasket in the resident’s room.

B. The kitchen wastebasket.
C. A plastic bag.
D. A leakproof, puncture resistant container, such as a sharps container.

112. Gloves should be worn:

A. When inserting suppositories.

B. When applying a transderm patch such as Nitroglycerin.
C. When changing a dressing.
D. All of the above.

113. When administering medications to a resident’s eye, you are to wash your
hands:

A. Only after administering the eye medication.

B. Only before administering the eye medication.
C. Before and after administering the eye medication.

114. Handwashing with soap and water is the one of the most important measures or
ways to prevent the spread of germs or infection.

A. True B. False

115. An antiseptic gel or product should be used for handwashing in place of soap and
water, when soap and water is not readily available.
 A. True B. False

116. When crushing medications, it is important to use procedures that prevent

contamination of other medications crushed afterward.

A. True B. False

25
117. Gloves and supplies that are soiled may be discarded in a wastebasket in the
resident’s room.

A. True B. False

118. It is not necessary to change gloves between residents when administering eye drops or
applying transderm patches such as Nitroglycerin.

A. True B. False
 ANSWERS TO
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
Answers to Study Guide Questions

Abbreviations/Medical Terminology

1. E.
2. C.
3. D.
4. A
5. B
6. D.
7. B.
8. A.
9. C.
10. E.
11. D.
12. B.
13. E.
14. A.
15. C.
16. D.
17. A.
18. B.
19. C.
20. E.
(Refer to Attachment B – “Abbreviations”, Page 48) 21.
C. PD is not an abbreviation for route of administration. PO
means orally or by mouth.
IM means intramuscularly or into the muscle.
SL means sublingually or under the tongue.
22. A. Under the tongue.

23. D. PD is not an abbreviation for dosages or strengths.

24. B. It is not OK to guess if you are not sure of an abbreviation. If you are not certain of an
abbreviation, you should refer to the list of abbreviations in the facility or get help from
the supervisor, nurse, or pharmacist.

25. A. Approved abbreviations may vary between facilities. Some facilities do not use certain
abbreviations because of the potential of medication errors. It is important for you to know
the facility’s policy.

26. B. A milliliter is not the same as a milligram. Volume refers to the amount of liquid in a
container and it is measured in milliliters (ml) and cubic centimeters (cc). Strength refers
to the amount of drug. Strength is measured in milligram (mg), grams (gm), micrograms
(mcg) and milliequivalents (mEq). (Refer to Attachment C – “Conversion Table”, Page
49.)

Regulations

27. A. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1006. The regulations do not prohibit adult care homes
from having over-the-counter medications as stock. Although, the over-the counter
medications may be kept as floor stock, a physician’s order is required to administer any
medication, prescription and non-prescription. Only the prescription items listed in
regulation 13F/13G .1006 are permitted to be kept as house stock in adult care homes.

28. B. When administering medications, you are to observe the resident actually taking the
medication. If the medications were left with the resident, you would not be certain if the
resident took the medication or not, and the medication would also not be stored
appropriately. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1004 and .1006.

29. A. State regulations for adult care homes require medications to be administered as
prescribed by a resident’s physician or prescribing practitioner.

30. A. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1004. A medication scheduled for administration at 8AM
would have to be administered between 7AM and 9AM, in order for the administration to
be considered timely. This does not apply to medications prescribed in accordance with
meals or medications such as insulin.

31. A. Residents do have the right to refuse medications. An adult care home should have a
policy on contacting the resident’s physician when a resident is refusing medications. A
resident is never forced to take medications.

32. A. Oral or internal medications are stored separately from external or topical medications
for safety reasons. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1006.
33. A. Effective 02/15/00, unlicensed staff administering medications in adult care homes
must have validation of skills by a registered nurse or pharmacist before administering
medications. Refer to regulation 13G .0403 and .0503 or 13F .0403 and .0503.

34. A. Additional documentation or records are necessary for controlled substances because
each dose of a controlled substance has to be accounted for. When a dose of a controlled
substance is prepared for administration and then not administered, it is destroyed at the
facility and specific information must be recorded. It is very important that you understand
the facility’s policy and procedure for controlled substances. Refer to regulations 13F/13G
.1007 and .1008.

35. B. Unlicensed staff in adult care homes are not allowed to administer IM injections.

Unlicensed staff in adult care homes may administer subcutaneous injections, excluding
anticoagulants such as heparin, if appropriate training is provided. Refer to regulation
13F/13G .1004.

36. A. The physician or prescribing practitioner must sign the verbal or telephone orders
within 15 days from the date the order is given. A telephone or verbal order is also
signed/initialed and dated by the person taking the order. Refer to regulation
13F/13G .1002.

37. E. The amount or quantity of medication administered, the time of administration, and the
initials of the person administering the medication is required on the MAR for all
medications administered. The effectiveness of PRN medications also has to be
documented on the MAR. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1004.

38. B. Regulations for adult care homes prohibit staff from repackaging more than one dose of
a medication for subsequent administration. It is usually allowable for one dose of
medication to be removed from the original container and placed in another container for
later administration. Remember that anytime more than one dose of medication from a
supply is placed in another container and labeled, it is considered dispensing.

When a medication is released to the responsible party, the facility must document the
name of the medication, strength and the quantity released. The facility must also
document the quantity of medication returned. Non-prescription medications that are not
packaged and labeled by a pharmacist are released in the original container. Refer to
regulation 13F/13G .1003.

Since Mr. Jones is going away for a week, more than one dose of medication would be
released. The medications must be sent in containers that have been filled and labeled by a
pharmacist or dispensing practitioner. The medications released must also be documented
on the appropriate facility form.

39. D. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1002. The resident’s physician or prescribing practitioner
must be contacted anytime clarification is needed about a medication order. A facility
should verify orders whenever a resident is admitted or readmitted to the facility.

40. A. All medication orders are to be maintained in the resident’s record in the facility. This
helps to ensure that medications are administered as prescribed. Refer to regulation
 13F/13G .1002.

The pharmacy also has to maintain orders or prescriptions for medications dispensed, but
these records are maintained for the pharmacy.

41. C. Only medications, including non-prescription medications, prescribed by a physician or

a prescribing practitioner are administered to a resident. A physician’s order is required
for any medication administered. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1002 and .1004. Refer to
regulation 13F/13G .1003 for packaging requirements of non
prescription medications. Non-prescription medications can produce unwanted effects or
adverse effects and interact with medications.

42. A. Only oral solid medications such as tablets and capsules may be prepared in advance.
Medications prescribed for PRN administration and liquid medications are only prepared
immediately prior to the medications actually being administered. Medications are not
crushed until immediately prior to the medications actually being administered. Refer to
regulation 13F/13G .1004.

30
43. D. Staff is required to document on the MAR when a medication is administered, omitted,
or refused. The MAR is a legal document on how medications are administered by the
facility. It is important that the documentation on the MAR is accurate. If a medication is
omitted, you must document the reason, such as the resident was out of the facility or the
medication was not available, on the MAR. A facility is required to have procedures for
staff to follow for documenting on the MAR when a medication is administered, omitted
or refused. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1004.

44. C. An order from a physician or prescribing practitioner is required before any

medication, prescription and non-prescription, is administered to a resident. Refer to
regulation 13F/13G .1004.

45. C. All medications, including PRN’s, are to be administered as prescribed; therefore, PRN
medications must be given according to the frequency (how often a medication can be
given) and reason(s) specified by the physician or prescribing practitioner. PRN
medications can not be administered any more frequently than ordered by the physician or
prescribing practitioner. If the resident is requesting or needing the medication more
frequently or requests the medication for another reason or symptom, the physician should
be contacted. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1004.

It is true that PRN medications are administered when needed by the resident, but the
frequency and reason for administration is according to the physician’s order.

46. A. You document immediately after you administer the medications to a resident and after
you observe the resident actually take the medications and prior to administering another
resident’s medications. Remember, it is important for documentation on the MAR to be
accurate. Documenting immediately after you administer a medication helps to ensure
 accurate documentation. Precharting or documenting the administration of a medication
before the medication is administered is prohibited. Refer to regulation 13F/13G .1004.

47. C. Once a medication has been removed from the labeled package or container and
prepared for administration, the medication is not put or placed back in the package or
container. Medications are not transferred from one container to another except when
prepared for administration.

48. B. Medications stored in a refrigerator containing non-medication-related items such as

food, are to be stored in a separate container. Unless the refrigerator is locked or stored in
a locked medication area, the medications in the refrigerator have to be stored in a locked
container. In this example, the refrigerator is accessible to residents; therefore, the
medications stored in the refrigerator have to be stored in a locked container. Refer to
regulation 13F/13G .1006.

49. D. Residents have the right to administer their own medications. A physician’s order is
necessary for the resident to self-administer.

Medication Administration

50. D. One of the six rights with medication administration is the right resident. The best way
of identifying residents in adult care homes is by using photographs. Relying on staff and
residents is not a safe or acceptable procedure for identifying residents. The photographs
also need to be kept updated when a resident’s appearance changes.

51. A. Checking the medication label against the MAR three times is done before each
medication is administered to a resident. This is added protection for you and the resident.
This applies to all situations whether the staff, resident, or medication is new.

52. B. Residents have the right to refuse medications, and the refusal of a medication is not a
medication error.

A medication error occurs when a medication is not administered as prescribed. Examples

of medication errors include: omissions; administration of a medication not prescribed;
wrong dosage; wrong time; wrong route; crushing a medication that shouldn’t be crushed;
and documentation errors. When a medication error is made or discovered, it should be
reported immediately to the supervisor, nurse, pharmacist or physician according to the
 facility’s policy. The supervisor or health professional will have to determine the next
appropriate steps to be taken. Recognizing medication errors and acting quickly to correct
them helps prevent more serious problems.

53. B. Contacting the supervisor, nurse, pharmacist or physician is the correct answer. The
physician or prescribing practitioner must be contacted when clarification of medication
orders or prescriptions is required. Clarification is needed when staff or health
professionals can not read the physician’s handwriting or the directions are incomplete.
Depending on a coworker or family member may not give accurate information. You
never guess what the physician may have written!

54. B. When a resident has difficulty with swallowing the resident is at risk of aspiration.
Aspiration is defined as inhaling a substance into the lungs. When a substance such as
liquid or food is inhaled into the lungs, it may cause a more serious problem. The resident
may develop a condition called aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is an
infection that may develop when food or liquid enters the lungs and can lead to life-
threatening conditions. This is why it is important for you to report changes such as
difficulty with swallowing to the supervisor, nurse, or physician.

Asthma is when a person has difficulty breathing.

Arrhythmia is when a person has an abnormal heart rate.

Arthritis is when a person has difficulty with movement due to inflammation or swelling
in the joints.

55. C. Gloves are required when applying topical medications. This is protection for you and
the resident.

56. A. An inhaler must be shaken before each and every time the inhaler is used. This helps to
ensure that the proper amount of medication is administered.

57. D. It is best to have the resident lie on his back with his head lower than shoulders for a
few minutes to ensure the medication reaches the nasal tissue. If the resident can not or
will not lie down, the resident should remain with his head tilted slightly back for a few
minutes. The resident does not need to have his head tilted back for 60 minutes.

58. A. The answer is to flag the MAR and return later in the medication pass to administer the
medications. Flagging the MAR will help to remind you to return later in the medication
pass. When a medication can not be administered during the scheduled medication pass,
document that the medication was not administered on the MAR in accordance with the
facility’s policy. It is a violation of resident’s rights to administer medications to a resident
when the resident is using the bathroom or receiving personal care such as bathing.

59. B. Allergic reactions can include rashes, swelling, itching and may be life threatening.
This is why it is important to document information about the resident’s allergies in the
resident’s record and MAR and report allergic reactions or suspected reactions promptly.
60. C. Always use the MAR when administering medications and check the medication label
with the MAR. All of the other examples are reasons for medication errors.
61. D. Medication errors may threaten the resident’s life and safety by producing bad or
adverse effects and interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.

62. C. Medications that are discolored or outdated/expired should never be administered.

You always check the expiration date on the medication label before administering
medications. If you can not find the expiration date on the medication label, you should
ask the supervisor or pharmacist. If you notice a difference in the appearance of a
medication, you should contact the pharmacist.

63. C. The best answer is to ask the supervisor, nurse, or pharmacist to calculate the dosage
with you. Administering the proper amount of medication is very important and some
calculations may be difficult.

64. C. Medications prescribed before meals are generally to be administered about 30 minutes
prior to the resident eating.

65. A. All of the choices may apply, but the main concern is that the resident may never take
the medication and someone else may. Leaving the medications unattended is not a safe
practice.

66. D. When administering medications, you compare the directions on the label with the
information or order on the MAR 3 times. The MAR is always used when you are
administering medications. If you notice that the color or shape of a medication is
different or changed, you should always contact your pharmacist before administering a
medication. You should never rely only on the color, shape or location of a medication.

67. A. When a medication can not be administered during the scheduled medication pass, you
are to document the reason. If the medication is administered at a later time, you are to
document the time the medication was administered. You should always let the
supervisor, nurse, or pharmacist know when medications, especially ones prescribed more
frequently than once daily, are administered late in case other administration times for a
medication need to be changed.

68. C. Always double-check a medication and medication order, if a resident expresses

concern about a medication you are about to administer. The resident may be right!

69. D. To avoid medication errors, the medication label and MAR are compared 3 times:
when selecting or removing the medication from the supply or storage area; before
pouring the medication; and after pouring and before returning the medication to the
supply or storage area.

70. C. All medications, including non-prescription medications, require a physician’s order to

be administered. When family members or residents bring in medications to be
administered and there is no order, the physician should be contacted regarding
administration.
71. B. If you discover or know a resident’s record indicates that the resident is allergic to a
medication that has been prescribed, the physician should always be contacted and
reminded or told about the allergy. Physician’s records may not always be updated or
accurate or the allergy warning could have been overlooked. It is also possible that the
resident’s record at the facility is not accurate.

72. A. The MAR is always changed to reflect new orders. Remember that the MAR is a legal
document, and it must be kept updated. It is very important that documentation on the
MAR be accurate. An accurate MAR promotes safe medication administration and
resident safety.

73. A. Resident’s allergies should be documented on the MAR and in the resident’s record.
Having the information on the resident’s record is helpful when orders are received and
having the allergy information on the MAR is helpful to staff administering medications.
If a resident does not have any known allergies, it should be written in the resident’s
record and MAR. Usually you will see “NKA” for No Known Allergies. It is also
important that the pharmacy is always notified of any allergies or changes in allergies.

74. A. A drug reference helps you find information about medications. A facility should have
a reference available for staff to use. A reference is not a substitute for contacting the
pharmacist, nurse or physician when you have questions about a resident’s medication, but
it will help answer questions about medications. You should use a reference that is easy to
understand. References written for non-health professionals are available at pharmacies
and not very expensive. It is important to have current and updated drug references
available.

75. B. If you have a question about a medication such as the dosage, you should always
contact the pharmacy before administering the medication.

76. B. Medications have side effects and many medications can cause a resident to become
confused. This is especially true for elderly residents. It is important to report changes
noticed with residents to the supervisor, nurse, pharmacist, or physician, according to the
facility’s policy. The facility’s policy is to identify who will contact the physician of any
changes noticed with a resident. A medication may be the reason for this change in the
resident.

77. A. Medications are to be administered as prescribed. A delay in administering a

medication such as Nitroglycerin or insulin may be life threatening.

78. B. Sublingual means under the tongue. Chewing or swallowing a medication that is to be
administered sublingually may alter the effectiveness of the medication. An example is
Nitroglycerin tablets.

79. E. Side effects of medications may include changes in a resident’s behavior, a rash, and/or
a change in swallowing or in walking. Any changes with a resident should be reported
immediately to the supervisor, nurse, pharmacist, or physician, according to the facility’s
policy. It is important to have the resident’s record and MARs available when you contact
the supervisor, nurse, pharmacist or physician. The facility’s policy is to identify who will
 contact the physician of any changes noticed with a resident.

80. C. Medication orders are transcribed or written onto the MAR when an order is obtained
or received. If a medication arrives from the pharmacy or is found in the resident’s supply
of medications and there is no order on the MAR, then an order must be found before
writing the medication order on the MAR. If an order can not be found, the pharmacy is
contacted immediately.

Two reasons why a medication order would not be on a MAR are:

1) The order was not transcribed or written onto the MAR when received. 2)
There is no order for the medication in the resident’s record in the facility. It is
possible that the medication was not ordered for the resident.

Directions on the medication label should not be copied onto the MAR, unless you know
the label matches the medication order in the resident’s record. Remember that the MAR is
to match the orders in the resident’s record also.

81. B. When the directions on the medication label do not match the order on the MAR, you
are not to administer the medication. The orders in the resident’s record must be checked
before administering the medication. Always contact the supervisor, nurse or pharmacist if
you can not find an order or need assistance.

Two reasons why the directions on the medication label and the information on the MAR
would not match are:
1) An order was changed and the MAR was not updated. If the MAR is not correct, then
continuing to administer the medication as written on the MAR would result in a
medication error.
2) The order was changed on the MAR but the facility’s policy on direction changes for
medication labels was not followed. If you administered the medication according to
the directions on the medication label then a medication error would occur.

It is very important to always use the MAR when administering medications and compare
the directions on the medication label with the order on the MAR. If the label and MAR do
not match, then the orders in the resident’s record are reviewed and either the MAR or the
medication label are corrected according to the facility’s policy and procedures.

82. C. “Continue previous medications” is not a complete order; therefore, the physician must
be contacted for medication orders. A complete medication order includes the name of the
medication, the dosage, the route of administration, the frequency of administration and
reason for administration if the medication order is a PRN order. The physician may be
referring to the medications ordered in the hospital and these medications may not be the
same as the medications prescribed prior to the resident going to the hospital.
 When a resident is admitted or readmitted, the facility may receive different forms with
orders such as a discharge summary, a transfer order form and/or a FL-2. It is important
that all the information is reviewed. If there is a difference between the orders on the
forms, including the FL-2, the physician is contacted for clarification.

83. B. This order is incomplete because there is no frequency of administration (how often the
medication can be given). Since the frequency of the medication order is not indicated, the
physician has to be contacted before administering the Ambien. You can not assume the
medication is to be administered every night at bedtime as needed for sleep. This
medication is sometimes ordered every other night as needed for sleep.

It is also important to check on the frequency of administration for medication orders such
as Motrin 800mg pc. The medication could be ordered once, twice, or three times daily
after meals. After meals, before meals, and with meals does not always mean three times
daily.

84. C. A medication is transcribed onto the MAR when the facility receives a medication
order. This procedure ensures that the medication order on the MAR matches the order in
the resident’s record. Having the order on the MAR is also important to check that
medications arrive from the pharmacy. If a medication has not arrived by the scheduled
administration time on the MAR, you should document that the medication was not
administered and the reason why. The pharmacy is also contacted about the delivery of the
medication. If there is going to be a delay in obtaining a medication, the physician may
need to be contacted. You should also let the supervisor or nurse know when medications
are not available.

85. A. Household utensils such as a teaspoon and tablespoon are not used to measure liquids.
Teaspoons and tablespoons are not calibrated for measuring medications.

Only devices that are calibrated for measuring medications are used to administer
medications.

A calibrated syringe or dropper is often necessary for measuring amounts less than 5ml
and unequal or odd amounts. Medication cups may not have the appropriate markings and
you would have to approximate the amount of medication to administer for amounts less
than 5ml or odd amounts. You never approximate or guess the amount of medication to
administer. A medication cup is placed on a flat surface and measured at eye level to
ensure accuracy.

86. E. The answer is all of the above. Washing your hands before and after the administration
of eye drops and wearing gloves when there is redness or possibility of infection are
appropriate infection control measures. This is protection for you and the resident.

When administering two or more different eye drops at the same time, you should wait 3 to
5 minutes between the administration of each medication. This ensures that the medication
remains in the eye. If the eye medications are administered one right after the other, the
 solution will just run out of the resident’s eye.

87. B. Medications, including PRNs, are to be administered as prescribed. You need to look at
the resident’s MAR in order to know when the medication was last administered and the
reason the medication is prescribed. You need to know why the medication is being requested
or needed so you can make sure the medication is administered for the reason prescribed.

88. C. Specific administration times for PRN medications are never scheduled on the MAR.
The resident’s physician needs to be contacted and told how often the resident is taking
the medication. The physician may change the medication order or decide that the resident
needs to be seen. Whether the order is changed or not, contact with the physician is always
documented in the resident’s record.

89. C. You always administer medications as you were trained. You should never
administer medications from memory nor have untrained staff administer medications.
The MAR is always used when administering medications. It is better to go ahead and
administer the medications rather than taking the medications to the workshop to
administer later.

90. A. Residents have the right to refuse medications; therefore, forcing the resident to take a
medication or hiding the medication in the resident’s food or drink are not appropriate and
violate the resident’s rights. Encouraging the resident to take the medication by explaining
the importance and purposes of medications is appropriate. You need to be sure the
resident’s refusal is documented on the MAR and other forms according to the facility’s
policy. The supervisor, nurse or pharmacist needs to be notified of residents who refuse
medications. The resident’s physician may need to be contacted, so be sure you follow the
facility’s policy for refusals. Leaving medications with the resident is not appropriate or
safe.

91. B. When there is a change in a resident’s behavior, physically or mentally, the supervisor,
nurse or the resident’s physician need to be contacted immediately. You would hold the
medication since a medication may be a reason the resident’s behavior has changed.
Drowsiness or lethargy is often a side effect of medications.

Measuring Devices

Refer to Attachments C and D for measuring tips on Pages 49 and 50.

92. E. A mg is not equal to a ml; therefore, you could not use the medication cup or the oral
dropper. Be sure that the amount you are about to measure matches the marking on the
measuring device. Household utensils such as a tablespoon are not calibrated and should
never be used to measure medications. An oral syringe or measuring device that has the
name of a medication on it should only be used to measure that medication. The oral
syringe above has Lasix written on it and is only used to measure Lasix Solution.

The correct measuring device to measure the Haldol would be a measuring device
specifically for Haldol Solution or you would have to know the “mls” to administer.
93. A. Only the medication cup is used. It is calibrated and has a marking to measure a
tablespoon. Household utensils such as a tablespoon are not calibrated and should not be
used to measure medications.

94. E. A mg is not equal to a ml; therefore, you can not use the medication cup or oral
dropper. Be sure that the amount you are about to measure matches the marking on the
measuring device. Household utensils such as a tablespoon are not calibrated and should
not be used to measure medications. The oral syringe is only used to measure Lasix
Solution. Again, the correct measuring device would be one specifically for measuring
Mellaril Liquid or you would have to know the “mls” to administer.

95. D. The oral dropper is used because it has a marking to measure 4 ml. The medication cup
could not be used, because it does not have a marking to measure 4 ml. You would have to
approximate or guess the amount to measure, and you should never guess the amount of
medication to administer. Household utensils such as a tablespoon are not calibrated and
should never be used to measure medications. Remember, the oral syringe above is only
used to measure Lasix Solution.

Metric System

96. A. “Tbsp” means tablespoon and 1 tablespoon is equal to 15ml. So 2 tablespoons would
be equal to 30ml.

97. A. The abbreviation “tsp” means teaspoon and 1 teaspoon equals 5ml. So 2 teaspoons
would be equal to 10ml.

98. D. You can not tell how much to administer because the order is not complete. The
physician ordered 2, but two what? This is not stated. You may be tempted to guess that
the physician meant 2 teaspoons or 2 tablespoons, but remember when you guess, you
may be right or you might be wrong. The physician is contacted for complete instructions.

99. D. The order states “2ml” and that means 2 milliliters. All the choices are milligrams
(mg). Remember a milliliter (ml) is not equal to a milligram (mg).

Labels
100. C. The medication label and the MAR do not match; therefore, you do not administer the
medication. When this happens, the facility’s policy on checking the medication order and
medication dispensed is followed. This usually means that the supervisor, nurse or
pharmacist is contacted. The pharmacy will have to be contacted by the facility regarding
the medication.

When the name of a medication dispensed by the pharmacy is different than the
medication name on the physician’s order, the pharmacy is required to label the
medication in a way that the facility knows the medication is the same or a generic. You
will usually see statements such as “Used for” or “Dispensed for”.

Never guess or assume the medication is the same, if the medication name on the label
does not match the MAR. In this case, Propulsid is not the same medication as
Metoclopramide.

101. B. The physician must be contacted because you do not know if the medication is to be
discontinued or not. The physician may want to be contacted before additional refills are
allowed.
Medication orders have to be clear. A medication is not discontinued, unless there is a
discontinue order or the physician orders the medication for a specific time period, i.e., for
10 days or until healed. You never assume or guess what the prescription or order means.

102. C. The abbreviation “RPh” means registered pharmacist. You may also see terms such as
“Dispensed by (Dsp.)” or “Filled by” prior to the pharmacist’s initials. Pharmacies have
many different ways of printing required information on the medication label. It is very
important that you are familiar with locating information on the medication label.

103. C. When a label needs replacing, you should report it to the supervisor, nurse, or
pharmacist. You should never relabel medications, especially prescription medications.
Relabeling and any changes to the medication label are done only by a pharmacist.

Medication Administration Records

Refer to the correct medication administration record, Page 51, Attachment E.

104. A. The order for Darvocet N-100 is 1 tablet by mouth every 4 hours as needed for pain.
Specific administration times are not scheduled for PRN medications. “PRN” should be
written in the hour or the administration time frame on the MAR. On this type of MAR,
you would initial the front and document the other required information, time of
administration, amount administered and reason, on the back of the MAR. There are
several different types of MARs, so it is important that you know how to document
information on the MAR used by the facility you work in.

If a resident is requiring frequent administration of a PRN medication, the physician needs

to be contacted.

105. B. When an order is changed, the old order is discontinued and the new order is written
on the MAR. You should date and initial entries or information you write on the MAR.
 In this example, the Lasix 40mg once daily should be discontinued and the order, Lasix
40mg twice daily, needs to be written as a new order. It is not appropriate to just alter or
mark through the previous medication order on the MAR. The date and time to start
administering the medication is indicated by marking out the previous days.

106. B. New orders are transcribed so the date and time to start administering the medication
is indicated. This is done by marking out the previous days. If the medication is not
available for administration at the scheduled administration time, the pharmacy is
contacted and you document that the medication was not available on the MAR. A facility
should have a policy on scheduling new medication orders. A delay in administering a
medication may place the resident’s health and welfare at risk.

If the medication is not prescribed for administration every day, mark out the days the
medication is not to be administered. This helps to prevent medication errors.

There are two errors with the Coumadin order on Attachment B, Page 48:

1) The Coumadin was ordered on 02/06/00, but never administered until 02/13/00. There
was also no documentation on why the Coumadin was not administered from 02/06/00
until 02/13/00.
2) The Coumadin was documented as being administered every day instead of every other
day as ordered. If the days the Coumadin was not to be administered had been marked
out, this error may not have happened.

107. B. The amount or dosage of medication administered is required on the MAR. When the
physician does not order the specific amount for administration, i.e., 1 to 2 tablets, then
you have to document the amount administered also. For the Tylenol order, you have to
document whether one or two tablets of Tylenol were administered.

It is best for the physician to specify the exact amount of medication to administer,
especially for routine orders. Some facilities will not accept orders that do not specify the
exact amount or dosage of medication to administer.

108. B. Short term orders, i.e., an antibiotic, should have the doses prescribed counted from
the time the medication is started. You should also mark on the MAR when the
medication is to stop. This helps to prevent medication errors.

The Amoxicillin was ordered three times daily for 10 days. This is a total of 30 doses. The
medication was documented as being administered much longer than ordered. Counting 30
doses from the time the medication started and marking when the medication was to stop
may have prevented this medication error.
 109. B. There is no documentation of the Nitro-Dur (Nitroglycerin) patch being

removed at bedtime as ordered by the physician; therefore, the Nitro-Dur was not
administered as ordered. The application sites for the Nitro-Dur (Nitroglycerin) patches
were not documented. This documentation is needed to rotate application sites. Rotating
the application sites helps to prevent irritation of the resident’s skin.

110. B. When an order is changed, the old order is discontinued and the new order is

written on the MAR. You should date and initial orders or other information you write on
the MAR

The Capoten order was not transcribed correctly. Can you tell when the Capoten order was
changed on the MAR? No and it is very important for MARs to be correct.

The correct way to change the MAR is to discontinue the order for Capoten 25mg three
times daily and write a new order on the MAR for Capoten 50mg three times daily. It is
not appropriate to just mark through or alter the previous medication order on the MAR.
Remember to date and initial the orders or information you write on the MAR.

You also need to follow the facility’s policy for direction changes on the medication label.
The facility’s policy may be to place a “Direction change” sticker on the medication label
or the medication container may need to be pulled from the medication supply.

** The resident had 25mg tablets of Capoten available, and the pharmacy told the
supervisor to administer 2 tablets of the 25mg to equal 50mg. The supervisor wrote this
information on the MAR for staff. You can write additional information on the MAR if
needed to help with the administration of a medication.

Infection Control

(Explanation for answers to quest. 111 - 118 is located after question 118.)

111. D.

112. D.

113. C.

114. A.

115. A.

116. A.
117. B.

118. B.

Infection control is one of your most important responsibilities. It is important to control the
spread of germs and infection in a facility. The precautions you take to control the spread of
infection are referred to as universal precautions. With universal precautions you treat blood
and bodily fluids as infected with germs that cause disease.

Universal precautions include: washing hands before and after resident contact, such as eye
drops; wearing gloves when you may be exposed to blood or body fluids; disposing of used
gloves properly; disposing of needles, syringes, and lancets in leakproof, puncture resistant
containers after use; never bending, recapping, or breaking needles after use and cleaning and
disinfecting medication storage areas according to the facility’s policy.

Handwashing is the single most important step you can take to protect yourself and residents
from the spread of germs. When soap and water is not readily available, an antiseptic gel or
product is used in place of soap and water.

When crushing medications, it is very important that there is no cross-contamination (mixing

of crushed medications for different residents) of residents’ medications. Facilities may use
different devices to crush medications. The most common method is using a pill crusher and
crushing the medications using two medication soufflé cups. If a device such as a mortar and
pestle is used, and the residue from the medications is present, the device has to be cleaned
thoroughly before crushing another resident’s medications. You should follow your facility’s
policy and procedures for crushing medications.

It is important that gloves are changed between residents to prevent the spread of germs.

By practicing universal precautions, you will protect yourself, residents, other staff, families,
and your family from germs that cause illness. It is important that you know the policies and
procedures of the facility you work in to prevent the spread of infection.
 47

ATTACHMENTS

DOSES ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION po =

gm = gram by mouth
mg = milligram tbsp = tablespoonful
mcg = microgram
pr = per rectum OD = right eye
cc = cubic centimeter gtt = drop
ml = milliliter OS = left eye OU = both eyes AD =
tsp = teaspoonful right ear AS = left ear AU = both ears
SL = sublingual(under the tongue) SQ =
ss = 1/2 subcutaneous (under the skin)
oz = ounce mEq = milliequivalent
per GT = through gastrostomy tube

TIMES
QD = every day MAR = med administration record
qhs = at bedtime
BID = twice a day ac = before meals
OTC = over the counter pc = after meals
TID = three times a day QID = four PRN = as needed
times a day q_h = every __ hours QOD= every other day
SIG = label or directions
 ac/hs= before meals and at bedtime
pc/hs= after meals and at bedtime
stat = immediately

CONVERSION TABLE
TIP: use an oral syringe for 10cc = 10ml
amounts less than 5ml
20cc = 20ml
30cc =
30ml

Reminder: 1cc = 1ml

A cubic centimeter is the same as a
milliliter.

mg. ≠ ml.
A mg is NOT the same as a ml ! ! !

⮳15ml⮴
This 15ml cup This 15ml cup
TIP: Always read the label carefully to be sure you
are contains 20mg of contains 40mg of measuring the right thing. medication in it. medication in it.

YOU CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE BY LOOKING

TIP: To be accurate, use the correct

1 TSP. = 5ml.

TIP: Don't use household teaspoons. They are not accurate!

=
1 tbsp. = 3 tsp
measuring tool. Ask your pharmacist. Some liquid medicines have special
measuring tools.

=
3 tsp. = 15ml

TIP: When measuring liquids, hold the cup at eye level.

ALWAYS NEVER

1. ALWAYS measure using the 5. If the label says to measure in mgs,

metric system. ALWAYS use a
measuring device that is
2. ALWAYS use an oral marked in mgs for that
measuring syringe for small medication.
amounts of liquid medication. 3.
ALWAYS hold cups at eye level when 6. ALWAYS consult your
measuring. pharmacist when you have a
question about measuring.
4. If the label says to measure in mls,
ALWAYS use a measuring device that
is marked in mls.
50 5. NEVER measure mgs with
1. NEVER use household spoons. 2. measuring devices that are
NEVER use cups that are not marked marked in mls.
with the amount they hold.

3. NEVER switch the special

droppers that come with some
liquid medications.
mg ≠ ml
6. NEVER leave air bubbles mixed
4. NEVER measure mls with a
with the liquid in an oral measuring
measuring device that is marked
syringe.
in mgs.
ATTACHMENT E Page 51 MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION RECORD
Medications Hour

DARVOCET-N-100 P
Take 1 tablet by
mouth every 4 R
hours as
needed for pain. N

LASIX 40mg.
Take 1 tablet by
mouth once every 8AM
day.

COUMADIN 5mg.
Take 1 tablet by
mouth every other
day.
2/08/00

6PM

TYLENOL 325mg
Take 1 to 2 tablets
by mouth twice 8AM
daily.
amt.

8PM

Amt.

AMOXICILLIN 250mg
Take 1 capsule by
mouth 3 times 8AM
daily for 10 days.
2PM
 2/03/00 8PM

NITRO-DUR
0.4mg/hr PATCH ----
Apply 1 patch every 8AM
morning and
remove at bedtime Site

8PM

CAPOTEN 25mg
Take 1 tablet by
mouth 3 times 8AM
daily.
2PM

8PM

CAPOTEN 50mg
Take 1 tablet by
mouth 3 times daily 8AM
.
(Give 2-25mg 2PM
tablets) 2/08/00
8PM

LASIX 40mg
Take 1 tablet by
mouth twice daily. 8AM
2/09/00

4PM

Charting for the month of: 2/01/00 through 2/29/00

Physician: Dr. Moses Telephone # 919-555-1212 Medical Record #:

Alt. Physician: Alt. Physician Telephone #:

Allergies: NKA Rehabilitation Potential:

Diagnosis: Admission Date: 5/03/96

Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension

Resident: Slippery Raccoon Date of Birth: 10/17/30 Room / bed #: BW999

Instructions: Result Codes: Injection/Patch Site Codes:

A. Put initials in appropriate box when medication given. 1. Effective 1-Right dorsal gluteus 7-Right deltoid

B. Circle initials when medication refused. 2. Ineffective 2-Left dorsal gluteus 8-Left deltoid

C. State reason for refusal on Nurse’s Notes. 3. Slightly Effective 3-Right upper chest 9-Right upper arm
D. PRN medication: Reason given should be noted on Nurse’s Notes. 4. No Effect Observed 4-Left upper chest 10-Left upper arm E. Indicate injection site
(code). 5-Right lateral thigh 11-Upper back left
6-Left lateral thigh 12-Upper back right

NURSE’S MEDICATION NOTES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Temperature

Respiration

Pulse

Blood
Pressure

Initials Nurse’s Signature Initials Nurse’s Signature

T RB = Right side of back

C RC = Right side of chest

D LB = Left side of back

J LC = Left side of chest

Charting Codes: A. chart error B. drug unavailable C. resident refused D. drug held E. dose contaminated F. out of facility G. see notes H. drug holiday

Date/Hour Medication/Dosage Route Reason Initials Results/Response Initial

s

2-3-00 10AM Darvocet-N-100 1 po Pain in right leg T Effective at T

12pm
tablet

2-7-00 6PM Coumadin 5mg po Not available - C C

Pharmacy
called

2-9-00 6PM Coumadin 5mg po Not available - C C

Physician
aware &
pharmacy
called

2-9-00 10PM po Pain in right leg C Effective as of 11pm C

Darvocet-N-100 1 tablet

2-11-00 6PM Coumadin 5mg po Still not

available

MD and D D
pharmacy
called