Patient Safety and Monitoring Flashcards

A Certified Medical Technician (CMT) is making rounds in a long-term care facility. Which of the following represents the MOST immediate safety risk that requires intervention?

Answer: A resident is attempting to get out of bed without assistance, and their bed alarm is sounding.

A resident attempting to get out of bed unassisted, especially when a bed alarm is sounding, indicates an immediate and high risk of falling. Falls are a major cause of injury in healthcare settings. The other options are safety concerns but do not present the same level of immediate, direct physical danger to a resident.

Before administering a scheduled medication, a CMT must verify the resident's identity. According to best practices, which is the most reliable method?

Answer: Asking the resident to state their full name and date of birth, then comparing it to the MAR.

The most reliable method is to use at least two patient identifiers. Asking the patient to actively state their full name and date of birth and then comparing that information to the Medication Administration Record (MAR) confirms you have the correct person. Simply asking if they are a certain person could lead to a confused resident agreeing incorrectly. Room numbers are not acceptable patient identifiers.

A CMT measures a resident's vital signs and finds the following: Blood Pressure 150/95 mmHg, Pulse 105 bpm, Respirations 22 rpm, Temperature 98.9°F. The resident's baseline blood pressure is typically 120/80 mmHg. What is the most appropriate action for the CMT to take?

Answer: Report the elevated blood pressure, pulse, and respirations to the supervising nurse.

The CMT's primary role in monitoring is to collect data and report abnormal findings to the licensed nurse. The blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate are all elevated compared to a typical baseline. This requires the clinical judgment of a nurse to assess the situation and decide on the appropriate intervention. A CMT does not independently decide to administer medication outside of the prescribed schedule or simply wait to re-assess significant changes.

Which of the following situations is an example of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) that a CMT must report immediately?

Answer: A resident develops a widespread rash and difficulty breathing after a new antibiotic dose.

A widespread rash and difficulty breathing are signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is a life-threatening adverse drug reaction (ADR) requiring immediate medical attention. Dry mouth and drowsiness are common, expected side effects of certain medications, and a decrease in blood pressure from an antihypertensive is the intended therapeutic effect.

To ensure patient safety during medication administration, the CMT should perform which of the following checks at a minimum?

Answer: The right resident, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time.

This question refers to the 'Five Rights of Medication Administration,' a fundamental safety check for anyone administering medications. Ensuring the Right Resident, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, and Right Time are all confirmed before administration is a critical strategy to prevent medication errors.

A resident with a history of falls is being cared for by a CMT. Which of the following environmental factors should the CMT be most vigilant about managing to prevent a fall?

Answer: Keeping the floor clear of clutter, cords, and spills, and ensuring adequate lighting.

Environmental hazards are a major contributor to falls. Keeping pathways clear of clutter, removing trip hazards like electrical cords, cleaning up spills immediately, and ensuring the room is well-lit are direct, actionable steps to modify the environment and reduce fall risk. The other options relate to comfort or general tidiness but are not primary fall prevention strategies.