MACE - Medication Aide Certification Examination Routes of Administration Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident is prescribed a sublingual medication. How should the Medication Aide administer this drug?
- Between the resident's cheek and gum.
- Under the resident's tongue. (Correct answer)
- Mixed with applesauce for the resident to swallow.
- Applied directly onto the resident's skin.
Correct answer: Under the resident's tongue.
Sublingual administration involves placing the medication under the tongue to dissolve and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the rich network of blood vessels there. This route allows for rapid absorption and bypasses the digestive system.
Question 2: When preparing to apply a new transdermal patch, which of the following is the MOST important initial step for the Medication Aide?
- Applying the new patch next to the old one.
- Writing the date and time on the new patch before application.
- Removing the previous patch and cleaning the site. (Correct answer)
- Shaving the selected skin area to ensure good adhesion.
Correct answer: Removing the previous patch and cleaning the site.
Before applying a new transdermal patch, it is critical to remove the old one to prevent overdosing the resident. The skin under the old patch should then be cleansed and dried to remove any residual medication and ensure the new patch adheres properly.
Question 3: A resident is ordered a medication to be administered via the buccal route. The Medication Aide should place the tablet:
- in the lower conjunctival sac of the eye.
- under the tongue to dissolve.
- between the cheek and the gum. (Correct answer)
- in the nostril for inhalation.
Correct answer: between the cheek and the gum.
Buccal administration involves placing the medication in the buccal pouch, which is the space between the cheek and the gum. The medication dissolves and is absorbed through the mucous membranes directly into the bloodstream.
Question 4: A Medication Aide is assisting a resident with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which instruction is essential for ensuring the medication is delivered effectively into the lungs?
- Inhale quickly and forcefully after pressing the canister.
- Breathe out immediately after inhaling the medication.
- Shake the inhaler well right before use. (Correct answer)
- Administer two puffs in rapid succession without waiting.
Correct answer: Shake the inhaler well right before use.
Shaking the metered-dose inhaler before each use is crucial to mix the medication with the propellant, ensuring a uniform and correct dose is delivered with each puff.
Question 5: A resident requires a rectal suppository. To facilitate proper administration and comfort, the Medication Aide should position the resident:
- flat on their back with knees straight.
- sitting upright in a chair.
- on their stomach with legs extended.
- on their left side with the upper knee bent. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: on their left side with the upper knee bent.
The recommended position for administering a rectal suppository is the Sims' position, where the resident lies on their left side with their upper (right) knee bent toward their chest. This position straightens the anorectal angle, making insertion easier and more comfortable.
Question 6: Which of the following routes of administration allows for the fastest absorption of medication into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system?
- Oral (swallowed tablet)
- Topical (cream on skin)
- Transdermal (patch)
- Sublingual (under the tongue) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Sublingual (under the tongue)
The sublingual route offers rapid absorption because the medication dissolves and passes directly into the rich blood supply under the tongue. This bypasses the first-pass metabolism in the liver that occurs with oral medications, allowing the drug to enter the systemic circulation quickly.
MACE - Medication Aide Certification Examination Routes of Administration Questions and Answers 1
A resident is prescribed a sublingual medication.
How should the Medication Aide administer this drug?