MACE - Exam Prep Role and Authorized Duties Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following tasks is considered outside the scope of practice for a Certified Medication Aide (CMA)?
- Administering routine oral medications to a resident.
- Calculating a medication dosage based on a resident's weight. (Correct answer)
- Documenting a resident's refusal of a prescribed medication.
- Observing a resident for side effects after medication administration.
Correct answer: Calculating a medication dosage based on a resident's weight.
Certified Medication Aides are not authorized to perform tasks that require nursing judgment, such as calculating drug dosages. This task must be performed by a licensed nurse or pharmacist. CMAs are trained to administer medications, document administration, and observe for effects.
Question 2: A resident has a PRN (as needed) order for a mild analgesic. The resident complains of a headache. What is the Medication Aide's FIRST authorized action?
- Administer the PRN medication immediately.
- Assess the resident's pain level on a scale of 1 to 10.
- Notify the supervising licensed nurse of the resident's complaint. (Correct answer)
- Offer the resident a glass of water and a cool cloth.
Correct answer: Notify the supervising licensed nurse of the resident's complaint.
While a Medication Aide may be authorized to administer PRN medications, they must first report the resident's symptoms and request to the licensed nurse. The nurse is responsible for assessing the resident before authorizing the administration of a PRN medication.
Question 3: Under whose direct supervision must a Medication Aide work when performing their authorized duties?
- A facility administrator
- A licensed physician
- A licensed pharmacist
- A licensed nurse (RN or LPN/LVN) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A licensed nurse (RN or LPN/LVN)
A Certified Medication Aide's duties, particularly medication administration, must be performed under the supervision and delegation of a licensed nurse, such as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN).
Question 4: Which of the following is a primary authorized duty of a Medication Aide?
- Developing resident care plans.
- Administering medications via intravenous (IV) route.
- Accurately documenting administered medications on the MAR. (Correct answer)
- Accepting verbal medication orders directly from a physician.
Correct answer: Accurately documenting administered medications on the MAR.
A core responsibility and authorized duty for a Medication Aide is to accurately and promptly document all medications administered, refused, or withheld on the Medication Administration Record (MAR). Developing care plans, administering IV medications, and typically taking direct verbal orders from a physician are outside their scope of practice.
Question 5: A Medication Aide is preparing to administer a topical medication patch. The Medication Aide notices that the previous patch has not been removed. What is the appropriate action for the Medication Aide to take?
- Apply the new patch next to the old one.
- Remove the old patch, document its removal, and apply the new one as ordered. (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident to remove the old patch themselves.
- Leave both patches on and report it at the end of the shift.
Correct answer: Remove the old patch, document its removal, and apply the new one as ordered.
Part of the authorized duties for administering topical medications includes following proper procedure. The Medication Aide is responsible for removing the old patch before applying a new one to ensure proper dosage and prevent adverse effects. This action should be documented according to facility policy.
Question 6: A key role of the Medication Aide is to observe residents and report any changes. Which of the following should be reported IMMEDIATELY to the supervising nurse?
- A resident stating they enjoyed their lunch.
- A resident experiencing sudden shortness of breath after receiving a new medication. (Correct answer)
- A resident requesting to watch a different television channel.
- A resident sleeping soundly in their chair.
Correct answer: A resident experiencing sudden shortness of breath after receiving a new medication.
Medication Aides are responsible for monitoring residents for adverse reactions and reporting any significant changes in their condition to the supervising nurse. Sudden shortness of breath could indicate a serious allergic reaction or adverse effect and requires immediate nursing assessment and intervention.
MACE - Exam Prep Role and Authorized Duties Questions and Answers
Which of the following tasks is considered outside the scope of practice for a Certified Medication Aide (CMA)?