Medication Management Principles Flashcards

A new med aide asks why insulin pens must be labeled with the date first opened. The correct explanation is that:

Answer: Opened insulin has a limited in-use expiration period after which potency cannot be assured

Once opened, insulin is only stable for a manufacturer-specified in-use period, so the opening date determines its discard date.

During a state survey, the surveyor asks how the facility handles a resident's medications at discharge. The compliant answer is that medications are:

Answer: Released to the resident or authorized representative with documentation, or destroyed per policy if not claimed

Discharge medications belong to the resident and must be released with documentation or destroyed per policy, never reused.

Which observation suggests a resident may be experiencing an adverse drug reaction rather than normal aging?

Answer: A sudden onset of confusion and falls within days of starting a new sedative

New confusion and falls closely following a medication change are classic signs of an adverse drug reaction requiring prompt review.

A facility uses a pharmacy-supplied blister pack (bingo card) system. A staff member finds one blister already popped with the tablet missing before the scheduled pass. The FIRST step is to:

Answer: Report and investigate the discrepancy per policy before administering anything from that card

A missing dose is an unexplained discrepancy that must be reported and investigated before the pass continues from that card.

What is the administrator's PRIMARY responsibility regarding medication management staff training?

Answer: Ensuring staff who assist with medications complete state-required training and competency evaluations before performing the task

The administrator must ensure all medication staff meet state training and competency requirements before assisting with medications.

A resident is prescribed an antibiotic for 10 days. On day 4, she feels better and asks staff to stop giving it. Staff should explain the importance of completing the course and:

Answer: Notify the prescriber of the resident's wish to discontinue while honoring her right to refuse

Residents retain the right to refuse, but the prescriber must be informed so the decision can be clinically addressed.

Which of the following medications would MOST likely appear on a list of high-alert medications requiring extra verification safeguards?

Answer: Insulin

Insulin is a classic high-alert medication because dosing errors can cause severe hypoglycemia or death.