CMA KS State Exam Review

The abbreviation A.S.A. means

a. Aspirin

b. Acetaminophen

c. As soon as available

d. Any suitable analgesic

a. Aspirin

When digoxin (Lanoxin) is given

a. The pulse should be 60 or more

b. The pulse should be 80 or more

c. The blood pressure should remain stable

d. The blood pressure should lower to normal range

a. The pulse should be 60 or more

The medication card for Mr. Post reads "Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment left eye". Correct procedure for administering this medication would include all of the following except

a. Have Mr. Post look upward or tilt his head back

b. Clean crusts or drainage away from eye

c. Apply ointment onto center of the eyeball

d. If the ointment causes blurred vision take safety precautions

c. Apply ointment onto center of the eyeball

Pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine) and timolol (Timoptic) are used

a. As an eye lubricant

b. To treat glaucoma

c. To treat eye infections

d. To treat inflammation of the eye

b. To treat glaucoma

Mrs. Amos is a diabetic who has been ill with the flu and not able to eat as she normally does. Symptoms which she might have which would indicate she was going into hypoglycemia (insulin shock) are

a. Dry flushed skin, fruity odor to breathe

b. No hunger, very thirsty, weak, rapid pulse

c. Low blood pressure

d. Pale, moist skin, intense hunger, double vision, tremors

d. Pale, moist skin, intense hunger, double vision, tremors

Potassium depletion commonly results in symptoms such as

a. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

b. Shortness of breath, skin rash, and itching

c. Nervousness, dizziness, anemia or tarry stools

d. Confusion, muscle weakness and cramping, or an irregular heart beat

d. Confusion, muscle weakness and cramping, or an irregular heart beat

When giving controlled drugs such as narcotics, stimulants, and depressants the medication aide usually should

a. Check apical pulse and respiratory rate

b. Check blood pressure

c. Chart detailed observations of the residents behavior and complaints

d. Record the use of the drug on a narcotic and controlled substance form before giving it.

d. Record the use of the drug on a narcotic and controlled substance form before giving it.

Which of the following medication will be used to supplement the diet of a resident who is not eating adequate nutrients?

a. Stresstabs, Theragran

b. Pectin, kaolin

c. Mineral oil, castor oil

d. Riopan, Kolantyl

a. Stresstabs, Theragran

A doctor orders that aspirin gr. x be given. This means that one should give

a. 2 tablets which are each gr. v

b. 1 tablet which is gr. v

c. 3 tablets which are each gr. v

d. ½ tablet which is gr. v

a. 2 tablets which are each gr. v

The desired action of a sedative/hypnotic drug is

a. Hypnotic tranquilizer

b. Calm/produce sleep

c. Stimulate central nervous system/prevent depression

d. Reduce blood pressure/prevent convulsions

b. Calm/produce sleep

Medications given to dilate the bronchioles are (drug names)

a. diazepam (Valium) and haloperidol (Haldol)

b. promethazine (Phenergan) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

c. terbutaline (Bretine) and theophylline (Theodur)

d. ibuprofen (Motrin) and sulindac (Clinoril)

c. terbutaline (Bretine) and theophylline (Theodur)

Methylcellulose (Isopto Tears) is used

a. Aid in eye medication

b. Treat eye infections

c. Dilate the pupil

d. Provide tear-like lubrication

d. Provide tear-like lubrication

The medication aide can prevent the possible transfer of infection by all of the following except

a. Handwashing between contacts with residents

b. Cleaning the medication tray following use

c. Reusing medicine cups which do not appear soiled

d. Using a spoon or medicine cup rather than fingers to place medication in the resident's mouth

c. Reusing medicine cups which do not appear soiled

The abbreviation meaning "without" is

a. s

b. c

c. p

d. et

a. s

Digitalis drugs, such as digitoxin (Crystodigin) and Lanoxin, act to

a. Lower blood pressure

b. Slow and strengthen the heart beat

c. Increase the respiratory rate

d. Relieve pain

b. Slow and strengthen the heart beat

Which of the following should be included in the care of a resident who receives trimethoprim and sulfamethoxizole (Bactrim, Septra)?

a. Placing the resident in isolation

b. Bowel and bladder retraining

c. Encouraging extra fluid intake

d. Reposition frequently

c. Encouraging extra fluid intake

Side effects of pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine) may include

a. Blindness

b. Impaired vision in dim light

c. Increased tear production

d. Itching

b. Impaired vision in dim light

A medication with an antitussive effect acts to

a. Relieve coughing

b. Increase respiratory secretions

c. Reduce respiratory tract swelling

d. Soothe irritated throat tissues

a. Relieve coughing

Betadine, a povidone iodine solution, is used to

a. Treat thyroid deficiency

b. Decrease excessive thyroid function

c. Reduce microorganisms on skin

d. Supplement dietary deficiency

c. Reduce microorganisms on skin

Which of the following is an adrenocorticosteroid hormone, used to suppress inflammation

a. Norgestrel estradiol (Lo Ovral)

b. Conjugated estrogens (Premarin)

c. Methyldopa (Aldomet)

d. Prednisone (Deltasone)

d. Prednisone (Deltasone)

Side effects of nitroglycerin sublingual tablets include

a. Slightly elevated blood pressure

b. Postural hypotension

c. Gum disease

d. Rapid heart beat

b. Postural hypotension

The abbreviation B.I.D. means

a. By intradermal

b. By individual demands

c. Two times a day

d. Four times a day

c. Two times a day

The drugs benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) and levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) are

a. Anticonvulsants

b. Sedatives

c. Analgesics

d. Antiparkinsonism agents

d. Antiparkinsonism agents

Of the laxatives listed below, the one which takes the longest to act is

a. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) , which stimulates peristalsis

b. Senna (Senokot), which stimulates peristalsis

c. Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesium), saline laxative

d. Psyllium (Metamucil), which increases bulk

d. Psyllium (Metamucil), which increases bulk

Insulin is administered to nursing home residents

a. By certified medication aide

b. By certified medication aides who have received extra training in injections

c. By license practical nurses and registered nurses

d. By any person who has been trained to give injections

c. By license practical nurses and registered nurses

Which of the following is a common sign of a complication of antibiotic therapy?

a. Secondary infection such as mouth and vaginal infection

b. Elevated blood pressure

c. Acne-like skin eruptions

d. Shortness of breath

a. Secondary infection such as mouth and vaginal infection

The abbreviation n.p.o. means

a. Give rectally

b. Nurse prepares ordered medication

c. Hold medication

d. Nothing by mouth

d. Nothing by mouth

Which of the following is safe practice when oxygen is used?

a. Maintaining humidification of the O2 at all times

b. "cracking" the tank in the resident's room

c. Using O2 at 8 to 12 L/minute for person with chronic respiratory disorders

d. Using tap water to fill the humidifying bottle

a. Maintaining humidification of the O2 at all times

The desired action of phenytoin sodium (Dilantin) is

a. Hypnotic

b. Anticonvulsant

c. Antihypertensive

d. Reduce fever

b. Anticonvulsant

Side effects from antihypertensive drugs often include

a. Postural hypotension

b. Irregular heart beat

c. Anxiety and nervousness

d. Blood disorders

a. Postural hypotension

Which of the following are appropriate actions to take when giving the resident a diuretic?

a. Give medication early in the day; encourage fluid intake

b. Protect resident from injury; shave with electric razor

c. Check urine for glucose and ketones; encourage activity

d. Check apical pulse and blood pressure

a. Give medication early in the day; encourage fluid intake

The desired action of an antidepressant drug is

a. Speed of respirations

b. Speed up heart beat

c. Raise blood pressure

d. Relief from symptoms of depression

d. Relief from symptoms of depression

Thyroid hormone or levothyroxine (Synthroid) is given to a resident

a. Because the person's body produces insufficient thyroid hormone naturally

b. To help a person lose weight

c. To control symptoms of nervousness

d. To reduce inflammation

a. Because the person's body produces insufficient thyroid hormone naturally

The side effect of a topical anesthetic such as benzocaine (Solarcaine) used on the skin is

a. Shortness of breath

b. Bruising

c. Rash

d. Skin debridement

c. Rash

Side effects of a medication containing iron, such as Trinsicon, are all of the following except

a. Drowsiness

b. Stomach irritation

c. Constipation or diarrhea

d. Tarry stools

a. Drowsiness

A drug given to control epilepsy is a/an

a. Tranquilizer

b. Anticoagulant

c. Antiarrhythmic

d. Anticonvulsant

d. Anticonvulsant

A resident is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Furosemide is the

a. Brand name

b. Trade name

c. Generic name

d. Chemical name

c. Generic name

Potassium replacement medication should be given

a. After checking blood pressure

b. With meals to prevent gastric irritation

c. Before meals to prevent interaction with food

d. Early in the day so it does not interfere with sleep

b. With meals to prevent gastric irritation

Warfarin (Coumadin) is an

a. Antiarrhythmic drug

b. Antianginal drug

c. Antihypertensive drug

d. Anticoagulant drug

d. Anticoagulant drug

An analgesic is given to

a. Relieve pain

b. Treat depression

c. Act as a central nervous system stimulant

d. Neutralize stomach acid

a. Relieve pain

Drugs which are used in arthritis for their anti-inflammatory effect are all of the following except

a. Ibuprofen (Motrin); naproxen (Naproxyn)

b. Sulinadac (Clinoril); fenoprofen (Malfon)

c. Sulfisoxizole (Gantrisin); nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)

d. Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin); Ascriptin

c. Sulfisoxizole (Gantrisin); nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)

The abbreviation meaning "left eye" is

a. O.D.

b. O. S.

c. O.U.

d. O.L.

b. O. S.

When recording the resident's medication in the chart, the medication aide should do all of the following except

a. Write clearly

b. Sign or initial his/her own charting

c. Chart the medicines after they are set up, before giving them

d. Use ink for writing

c. Chart the medicines after they are set up, before giving them

The desired action of antiemetics such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Antivert) is

a. To control diarrhea

b. To correct constipation

c. To suppress nausea and vomiting

d. To neutralize stomach acid

c. To suppress nausea and vomiting

Medications which are given to relieve symptoms of allergy such as runny nose and itchy, watery eyes are called

a. Immunizations

b. Bronchodilators

c. Antispasmodics

d. Antihistamines

d. Antihistamines

If a medication card reads 0.5 g. Gantrisin it means the resident should receive

a. Five grams Gantrisin

b. Fifty grams Gantrisin

c. Five hundredths gram Gantrisin

d. Five tenths gram Gantrisin

d. Five tenths gram Gantrisin

The desired action of medications such as magnesium hydroxide-aluminum hydroxide combinations (Maalox, Mylanta) is to

a. Provide mineral replacement

b. Treat diarrhea

c. Neutralize stomach acid

d. Offset effects of diuretics

c. Neutralize stomach acid

The medication card for Mrs. Jones reads "Gyne-Lotrimin inserted vaginally." Correct procedure for administering this medication would be all except

a. Insert medication 2-3 inches along back of vagina

b. Position Mrs. Jones in upright sitting position

c. Provide sanitary pad if necessary to prevent staining underclothing

d. Put on gloves before administering medication

b. Position Mrs. Jones in upright sitting position

If a resident receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) shows signs of toxic symptoms, the medication aide should

a. Give today's dose but report the symptoms to the supervisor before tomorrow's dose

b. Report the symptoms to the supervisor before giving this day's dose

c. Record the symptoms on the resident's chart and medication record after giving the medication

d. Call the physician to report the symptoms

b. Report the symptoms to the supervisor before giving this day's dose

A medication card reads Aspirin gr xx. This means one should give

a. 2 aspirin pills

b. 10 grains of aspirin

c. 20 grains of aspirin

d. 1 aspirin pill

c. 20 grains of aspirin

Potassium chloride (KCL) such as K-Lyte and Slow K are examples of

a. Enteric coated medication

b. Laxatives

c. Potassium replacement medications

d. Delayed action vitamin supplement

c. Potassium replacement medications

Which of the following medications may properly be crushed before administering

a. ASA Enseals (enteric coated)

b. Hydergine, sublinqual

c. Bactrim D.S. (double strength)

d. Feosol Spansules (Sustained release)

c. Bactrim D.S. (double strength)

A common side effect of many diuretic medications is

a. Hypoglycemia

b. Hypertension

c. Excessive potassium loss

d. Edema

c. Excessive potassium loss

When administering a rectal suppository, all of the following techniques are correct, except

a. Insert suppository ½ inch into the rectum

b. Lubricate suppository according to product literature

c. Position person receiving the medication on his side

d. If resident is unable to retain suppository, hold buttocks together several minutes

a. Insert suppository ½ inch into the rectum

Tolbutamide (Orinase) and chlorpropamide (Diabinase) are hypoglycemic agents whose action is to

a. Make more of the body's insulin available

b. Treat hypoglycemia

c. Treat anemia by restoring red blood cells

d. Lower blood cholesterol

a. Make more of the body's insulin available

Which one of the following resident activities will help avoid a side effect of antihypertensive drugs?

a. Standing still

b. Taking a warm bath or shower

c. Rising quickly from a sitting to a standing position

d. Avoiding quick change in position

d. Avoiding quick change in position

A measure which may help prevent the most common side effect of aspirin is

a. Give in crushed form

b. Make sure it is given no more often than every 5 hours

c. Give along with food

d. Give on an empty stomach

c. Give along with food

Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide) is an example of a/an

a. Expectorant

b. Antibiotic

c. Sedative

d. Diuretic

d. Diuretic

An antipyretic drug such as aspirin

a. Reduces fever

b. Is addicting

c. Causes blood clotting

d. Reduces coughing

a. Reduces fever

The abbreviation meaning "before meals" is

a. a.c.

b. p.c.

c. b.c.

d. b.m.

a. a.c.

Ear drops such as triethanolamine (Cerumenex) are used to

a. Treat ear infections

b. Treat ear inflammation

c. Soften and break up ear wax

d. Cure deafness

c. Soften and break up ear wax

A drug which keeps the stomach from producing gastric acid is

a. Cimetidine (Tagamet)

b. Meclizine (Antivert)

c. Kaolin and pectin (Kaopectate)

d. Warfarin (Coumadin)

a. Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Mr. Stuart, a diabetic, has had much more activity this morning than he usually has. In observing him, you should keep in mind that

a. Activity interferes with insulin, extra activity may cause diabetic acidosis

b. Activity is not recommended for diabetics

c. Activity uses up insulin, causes diabetic acidosis

d. Activity enhances insulin's effect; extra activity may cause hypoglycemia

d. Activity enhances insulin's effect; extra activity may cause hypoglycemia

The purpose for using medications like fibrinolysin and desoxyribonuclease (Elase) or trypsin (Granulex) on skin wounds is to

a. Prevent infection by destroying bacteria

b. Reduce inflammation

c. Prevent allergies

d. Clear away dead tissue so new tissue can grow

d. Clear away dead tissue so new tissue can grow

The hard or soft gelatin covering for powdered or liquid medication is a/an

a. Capsule

b. Enteric coat

c. Sustained release coating

d. Troche

a. Capsule

Medications which are antidiarrheal are

a. Atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil) and loperamide (Imodium)

b. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and phenolphthalein (Ex-lax)

c. Ferrous sulfate (Feosol) and calcium (Oscal)

d. Simethicone (Mylicon) and cimetidine(Tagamet)

a. Atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil) and loperamide (Imodium)

An antihyperuricemic drug such as allopurinol (Zyloprim) is given to

a. Reduce uric acid in gout

b. Relax muscles

c. Tranquilize

d. Reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

a. Reduce uric acid in gout

Cephalexin (Keflex) is a/an

a. Oral hypoglycemic

b. Muscle relaxant

c. Analgesic

d. Antibiotic

d. Antibiotic

Which of the following is the largest measurement?

a. 1.0 g

b. 0.1 g

c. 500 mg

d. 0.25 g

a. 1.0 g

The resident who takes an antiarrhythmic drug such as quinidine may experience adverse effects such as

a. Irritability, confusion, and drowsiness

b. Nausea, anorexia, and blurred vision

c. Rapid pulse, nervousness, and high pressure

d. Postural hypotension, slow pulse, and low blood pressure

d. Postural hypotension, slow pulse, and low blood pressure

Which of the following is the most accurate way of identifying a resident?

a. Asking her "Are you Mrs. Brown?"

b. Checking her clothing label

c. Asking her "What is your name?"

d. Looking for her name on the door to her room

c. Asking her "What is your name?"

If the medication order reads Amoxicillin 250mg but the only medicine available is Amoxicillin 100mg tablets. The medication aide should

a. Give the resident 3 tablets

b. Give the resident 2 tablets

c. Ask the supervisor/charge nurse to calculate the correct dose

d. Skip the medication since dosage is incorrect

c. Ask the supervisor/charge nurse to calculate the correct dose

Examples of analgesics include all the following except

a. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

b. Zomepirac (Zomax)

c. Buffered aspirin (Ascriptin)

d. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

d. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Mr. Jones receives an antacid and two other medications. For best effects the time of administration of the antacid should be

a. At the same time as the other two medications

b. Not at the same time as the other two medications

c. Only at bedtime

d. Crushed together with the other two medications

b. Not at the same time as the other two medications

When the medication aide needs information about the action and side effects of a new medication, all of the following are appropriate resources except

a. Package brochure

b. Physician's Desk Reference

c. Pharmacist

d. Patient chart

d. Patient chart

Unwanted effects of digitalis drugs such as digitoxin (Crystodigin) may include

a. Irregular or slow heart beat, nausea and weakness

b. Parkinsonian symptoms and seizures

c. Inability to sleep, nervousness and restlessness

d. Constipation, tarry stools, and indigestion

a. Irregular or slow heart beat, nausea and weakness

Male hormone, produced in the testes, is called

a. Estrogen

b. Testosterone

c. Progesterone

d. Pitocin

b. Testosterone

A common adverse response when a resident begins to take an antibiotic medication is

a. Increased urine output

b. Tolerance

c. Parkinsonian symptoms

d. Allergic reaction

d. Allergic reaction

Examples of tranquilizers are all of the following except

a. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

b. Thioridazine (Mellaril)

c. Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

d. Diazepam (Valium)

a. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

When preparing liquid medication, such as Haldol concentrate, the medication aide should

a. Dilute it with water

b. Pour a small amount of the liquid into the sink to cleanse the bottle opening, then pour into the medicine cup

c. Never use paper towels to wipe off the bottle top

d. Read the level of medication from the bottom of the meniscus or curve of liquid surface

d. Read the level of medication from the bottom of the meniscus or curve of liquid surface

A diuretic medication acts to

a. Aid the body in utilizing glucose

b. Increase urine production

c. Increase appetite

d. Produce a regular heartbeat

b. Increase urine production

An antiseptic is a substance which

a. Is used for the same effect as a disinfectant

b. Is used for the same effect as a germicide

c. Inhibits the growth of microorganisms

d. Kills all microorganisms

c. Inhibits the growth of microorganisms

Safe handling of oxygen includes

a. Lubricating connections with oil to maintain smooth movement

b. Keeping the oxygen tank secured to prevent tipping

c. Chilling the tank and tubing with ice

d. Allowing the resident to adjust the flow rate

b. Keeping the oxygen tank secured to prevent tipping

If a medication card reads Robitussin 5ml, this means that one should give

a. two teaspoons of Robitussin

b. five milliliters of Robitussin

c. five milligrams of Robitussin

d. five micrograms of Robitussin

b. five milliliters of Robitussin

The body position which allows the most effective administration of inhaled medication

a. Lying on left side

b. Lying on back

c. Lying on back with head slightly raised

d. Sitting upright

d. Sitting upright

A resident who uses an inhaler with a bronchodilator medication should be cautioned

a. To inhale in short shallow breaths while using inhaler

b. To exhale rapidly while using inhaler

c. To use the inhaler no more frequently than it is ordered

d. To use the inhaler with oxygen

c. To use the inhaler no more frequently than it is ordered

Increased effectiveness which may result from combining drugs with similar actions is termed

a. A side effect

b. A toxic effect

c. A synergistic or additive effect

d. An adverse effect

c. A synergistic or additive effect

A resident receives a laxative such as magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia). Correct resident care which should accompany this laxative is

a. Do not give this laxative at the same time as meals

b. Limit intake of solid food until laxative has acted

c. Make sure there is good fluid intake

d. Give this laxative daily to prevent further constipation

c. Make sure there is good fluid intake

Mr. Jones has had diarrhea for the past 8 hours, but has no doctor's order for anti-diarrheal medicine. The correct action for the medication aide to take would be

a. Give Mr. Jones some Kaopectate without a doctor's order since it is an over the counter medicine

b. Give Mr. Jones an anti-diarrheal medicine the doctor has ordered for Mr. Brown

c. Ask Mr. Jones' daughter to bring anti-diarrhea medicine from home

d. Give anti-diarrheal medicine only after a doctor has written an order for it for Mr. Jones

d. Give anti-diarrheal medicine only after a doctor has written an order for it for Mr. Jones

An antihypertensive drug

a. Calms and relaxes

b. Lowers blood pressure

c. Decrease muscle tone

d. Slows the heart and makes the contractions more regular

b. Lowers blood pressure

If an error in giving a medicine is made, this should be reported by

a. Apologizing to the resident

b. Calling the pharmacist to report

c. Informing the supervisor/charge nurse and filling out an appropriate form

d. Informing the patient's family and the pharmacist

c. Informing the supervisor/charge nurse and filling out an appropriate form

Side effects of the tranquilizer thioridazine (Mellaril) and other drugs of the same family include

a. Dyskinesia, muscle tremors, and abnormal movements of mouth

b. Increased blood pressure

c. Brittle bones

d. Loss of hair

a. Dyskinesia, muscle tremors, and abnormal movements of mouth

If a medication aide should be negligent in his/her job by doing something incorrectly which he/she had been taught correctly to do,

a. Only the nursing home, as the employer, is responsible

b. The doctor who writes the medication order is responsible

c. The medication aide is responsible for his/her owns actions

d. The director of nursing is responsible for the aide's actions

c. The medication aide is responsible for his/her owns actions

Bronchodilator drugs are used to

a. Treat glaucoma

b. Improve breathing for obstructive respiratory disorders

c. Treat respiratory infections

d. Improve symptoms of confusion, irritability, and depression

b. Improve breathing for obstructive respiratory disorders

Nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid) is used to

a. Soften and soothe dry skin

b. Treat skin infections

c. Prevent angina

d. Prevent migraine headaches

c. Prevent angina

Trimethoprim and sulfamthoxizole (Bactrim, Septra) and methenamine (Hiprex) are used for

a. Urinary tract infections

b. Septicemia

c. Edema

d. Urinary incontinence

a. Urinary tract infections

When medication is applied to the skin, all of the following should be done except

a. Wash away previous medication before applying new

b. Apply lotion or ointment with the fingertips

c. Wash hands before and after administering medication

d. Apply medication in a thin coat