MAC Medication Storage and Handling 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard temperature range for storing most medications at 'room temperature' per USP guidelines?
- 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) (Correct answer)
- 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
- 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C)
- 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C)
Correct answer: 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)
USP defines room temperature storage as 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) to maintain medication stability.
Question 2: Which type of medication most commonly requires refrigeration between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C)?
- Most oral tablets and capsules
- Insulin and certain biologic medications (Correct answer)
- Schedule II controlled substances
- Topical ointments and creams
Correct answer: Insulin and certain biologic medications
Insulin and biologic medications require refrigeration at 36°F to 46°F because they are temperature-sensitive and degrade at higher temperatures.
Question 3: How must Schedule II controlled substances be stored in a long-term care facility?
- In a locked drawer in the nursing station
- In the refrigerator with other medications
- In a double-locked, secure cabinet or location (Correct answer)
- In a standard medication cart with other resident medications
Correct answer: In a double-locked, secure cabinet or location
Federal and state regulations require Schedule II controlled substances to be stored in a double-locked, secure location to prevent diversion.
Question 4: What is the correct action when a medication is found to have passed its expiration date?
- Continue using it until the current supply is exhausted
- Remove it from active stock and follow facility disposal procedures (Correct answer)
- Store it separately and use it only for non-critical needs
- Return it to its container and document on the MAR
Correct answer: Remove it from active stock and follow facility disposal procedures
Expired medications must be immediately removed from active stock and disposed of per facility policy and applicable regulations to protect patient safety.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of keeping the medication cart locked when it is not in use?
- To protect medications from temperature fluctuations
- To maintain proper humidity levels for tablets
- To prevent unauthorized access and reduce medication diversion risk (Correct answer)
- To organize medications alphabetically by drug name
Correct answer: To prevent unauthorized access and reduce medication diversion risk
Locking the medication cart prevents unauthorized access and is a key security measure to reduce the risk of medication diversion or tampering.
Question 6: What temperature range is defined as 'cool' storage for medications that require conditions between room temperature and refrigeration?
- 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
- 46°F to 59°F (8°C to 15°C) (Correct answer)
- 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)
- 32°F to 36°F (0°C to 2°C)
Correct answer: 46°F to 59°F (8°C to 15°C)
Cool storage is defined as 46°F to 59°F (8°C to 15°C), which is warmer than refrigeration but cooler than standard room temperature.
Question 7: What should a medication attendant do with medications labeled 'protect from light'?
- Store them in a dark, opaque container or cabinet shielded from direct light (Correct answer)
- Refrigerate them immediately to block light exposure
- Administer them only during nighttime hours to limit light exposure
- Store them with controlled substances in the double-locked cabinet
Correct answer: Store them in a dark, opaque container or cabinet shielded from direct light
Medications labeled 'protect from light' must be kept in opaque containers or in areas shielded from direct light to prevent photochemical degradation.
MAC Medication Storage and Handling 1
What is the standard temperature range for storing most medications at 'room temperature' per USP guidelines?