North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

If the handwriting on a prescription is unclear, what should you do?

1. Guess the dosage

2. Contact your supervisor, the pharmacist, or the physician

3. Administer the medication based on previous dosages

4. Wait until the next shift to ask

The correct answer is: Contact your supervisor, the pharmacist, or the physician

When faced with unclear handwriting on a prescription, the most appropriate action is to contact your supervisor, the pharmacist, or the physician. This ensures that any ambiguity is resolved by obtaining clarification from a qualified individual who is familiar with the patient's medical history and the intended treatment. Clear communication is vital in medication administration to ensure patient safety. Guessing the dosage introduces a risk of incorrect medication administration, which could lead to serious health consequences. Relying on previous dosages may not be advisable either, as medication dosages can vary significantly between patients and situations, and may not reflect current medical directives. Delaying the clarification until the next shift is also not acceptable, as it could expose the patient to unnecessary risk if the medication is time-sensitive or critical for their health. By reaching out for professional clarification, you are prioritizing patient safety and adhering to best practices in medication administration.