Medication Administration & Safety Flashcards
9 cards from real CMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 9 Medication Administration & Safety flashcards as text
What is the first step before administering any medication?
Answer: Verify the patient’s identity
Verifying the patient’s identity is the critical first step before administering any medication to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors. This involves using at least two patient identifiers, such as their full name and date of birth, and comparing them against the medication order. This crucial check confirms that the right medication is given to the right person.
Which of the following is a common route of medication administration?
Answer: Oral
Oral administration is one of the most common and convenient routes for medication delivery, where the medication is swallowed and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Many medications are formulated as pills, capsules, or liquids for oral intake due to its ease of use and patient acceptance. While other options like topical, subcutaneous, and ophthalmic are valid routes, oral is widely prevalent.
What should a medical aide do if a medication error is made?
Answer: Report the error immediately
If a medication error occurs, the medical aide must report the error immediately to a supervisor or the prescribing physician. Prompt reporting is crucial for patient safety, allowing for quick assessment of potential harm and implementation of corrective actions. It also helps in identifying systemic issues to prevent future errors and ensures proper documentation.
Which of the following is one of the 'Five Rights' of medication administration?
Answer: Right dose
The 'Right Dose' is one of the 'Five Rights' of medication administration, a fundamental safety protocol in healthcare. These rights ensure that the Right Patient receives the Right Drug, in the Right Dose, by the Right Route, at the Right Time. Administering the correct dose is vital to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and prevent adverse reactions from under- or overdosing.
What action is required before giving any medication?
Answer: Check for allergies
Before giving any medication, it is absolutely essential to check for patient allergies to prevent potentially severe and life-threatening adverse reactions. This involves reviewing the patient's medical record and directly asking the patient about any known allergies to medications, food, or other substances. Administering a medication to which a patient is allergic can lead to anaphylaxis or other serious complications.
Why is proper hand hygiene important before administering medications?
Answer: To prevent contamination
Proper hand hygiene, such as thorough handwashing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, is paramount before administering medications. This practice prevents the transmission of microorganisms from the medical aide's hands to the patient or the medication, thereby reducing the risk of infection and contamination. It is a critical component of infection control in healthcare settings.
What does PRN mean in medication orders?
Answer: As needed
In medication orders, the abbreviation 'PRN' stands for 'pro re nata,' which is Latin for 'as needed.' This indicates that the medication should only be administered when the patient exhibits specific symptoms or conditions, rather than on a fixed schedule. The order typically specifies the conditions for administration and the maximum frequency or dose.
How should liquid medication be measured accurately?
Answer: Using a calibrated cup
To ensure accurate dosing of liquid medication, it is crucial to use a calibrated measuring device, such as a calibrated cup, oral syringe, or dropper. Household spoons are not standardized and can lead to significant dosing errors, potentially causing under- or overdosing. Accurate measurement ensures the patient receives the correct therapeutic amount for safety and effectiveness.
Which documentation is necessary after giving medication?
Answer: Immediately in the patient’s record
After administering medication, it is critical to document the administration immediately and accurately in the patient’s medical record. This documentation includes the medication name, dose, route, time, and the medical aide's initials. Immediate recording ensures an up-to-date record, prevents duplicate dosing, and provides a legal record of the care provided.