Medication Technician Certification Review

Comprehensive Question and Answer flashcards covering medtech regulations, abbreviations, metric conversions, medication administration procedures, and infection control.

What does the medical abbreviation "po" or "PO" stand for?

By mouth (orally).

What does the medical abbreviation "prn" or "PRN" stand for?

As needed.

What do the medical abbreviations "ac" and "pc" stand for?

"ac" means before meals, and "pc" means after meals.

What do the route abbreviations OD, OS, and OU stand for?

OD means right eye, OS means left eye, and OU means both eyes.

What do the route abbreviations AD, AS, and AU stand for?

AD means right ear, AS means left ear, and AU means both ears.

What does the administration route abbreviation "SL" stand for?

Sublingual (under the tongue).

What system of measurement must ALWAYS be used when measuring liquid medications?

The metric system.

What device should ALWAYS be used for measuring small amounts of liquid medication?

An oral measuring syringe.

Why should household spoons NEVER be used to measure liquid medications?

Household spoons are not accurate.

What is the metric equivalent of $1\,\text{cc}$ (cubic centimeter)?

$1\,\text{ml}$ (milliliter).

How many milliliters ($\text{ml}$) are equivalent to $1\,\text{teaspoon (tsp)}$?

$5\,\text{ml}$.

How many teaspoons ($\text{tsp}$) and milliliters ($\text{ml}$) are equivalent to $1\,\text{tablespoon (Tbsp)}$?

$3\,\text{tsp}$ or $15\,\text{ml}$.

How many milliliters ($\text{ml}$) are in $1\,\text{ounce (oz)}$?

$30\,\text{ml}$.

Is it ever acceptable to leave a resident's medication at their bedside?

No, never leave medications out at the bedside.

What is the allowable time window for administering scheduled medications?

Within $1\,\text{hour}$ before or $1\,\text{hour}$ after the prescribed or scheduled time of administration.

May unlicensed staff in adult care homes administer intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SQ) injections?

No, unlicensed staff may not administer IM or SQ injections.

Within how many days must a telephone or verbal medication order be signed by the prescriber?

Within $15\,\text{days}$ from the date the order is given.

How must prescription medications be prepared when a resident leaves the facility for a week-long home visit?

Medications must be sent in containers filled and labeled by a pharmacist and documented on the appropriate facility form.

How far in advance may routine oral solid medications (tablets and capsules) be prepoured or prepared?

Within $24\,\text{hours}$ of the prescribed time for administration.

What four items of documentation must be recorded on the MAR when a PRN medication is administered?

1. Quantity/amount administered; 2. Specific time of administration; 3. Initials of the person administering; 4. Effectiveness of the medication.

How must medications be stored when placed in a refrigerator that is accessible to residents?

Stored in a separate locked container in the refrigerator.

What is one of the best methods for identifying the correct resident prior to medication administration?

Use photographs of the residents on the MAR.

How many times should the medication label be checked against the MAR when administering medications?

Three times with each medication administered to each resident.

At what three specific steps are medication labels checked against the MAR?

1. When selecting or removing the medication from storage; 2. Before pouring the medication; 3. After pouring and before returning the medication to storage.

Is a resident's refusal of a medication classified as a medication error?

No, refusal of a medication by a resident is not a medication error.

When a resident has difficulty swallowing, what condition are they at risk for?

Aspiration (choking).

How often must an inhaler be shaken relative to administration?

Before each and every time it is used.

How many minutes prior to eating should a medication ordered "before meals" (ac) be administered?

$30\,\text{minutes}$.

What should you do if a resident expresses concern about a medication you are preparing to administer?

Double check the medication and dosage information.

What response should you give if a resident's family member brings in an over-the-counter (OTC) medication to administer?

Explain to the family member that even over-the-counter medications require a physician's order.

How much time must be allowed between the administration of two different eye drop medications?

Allow a $3\,\text{minute}$ to $5\,\text{minute}$ period between the administration of each eye medication.

When administering eye medications to a resident, when should you wash your hands?

Before and after administering the eye medication.

In what type of container should used lancets and syringes be discarded?

In a leakproof, puncture-resistant container, such as a sharps container.

If a physician orders $2\,\text{Tbsp}$ of Milk of Magnesia, how much should be administered in milliliters?

$30\,\text{ml}$.

If a physician orders $2\,\text{tsp}$ of Lactulose, how much should be administered in milliliters?

$10\,\text{ml}$.

What step should you take if a resident is extremely difficult to wake up and having difficulty swallowing morning medications?

Hold the medications at that time and immediately notify your supervisor, nurse, or physician.

What two specific administration details must be documented on the MAR for a Nitroglycerin patch (Nitro-Dur)?

Documentation of the application site and documentation of patch removal.