North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

What must staff demonstrate before administering medications in adult care homes?

1. Basic knowledge of medications

2. Skills validation by a nurse or pharmacist

3. Completion of a safety course

4. Experience in admin-istering medications

The correct answer is: Skills validation by a nurse or pharmacist

Before administering medications in adult care homes, staff must demonstrate skills validation by a nurse or pharmacist. This requirement is essential to ensure that the staff members possess not only the theoretical knowledge of medications but also the practical skills and competency necessary to administer them safely and effectively. Validation by a qualified professional ensures that staff can accurately follow medication protocols, understand the implications of medication administration, manage potential side effects, and respond appropriately in case of an emergency. While having a basic knowledge of medications is important, understanding pharmacology alone does not equate to the ability to administer drugs safely. Completion of a safety course may provide useful information, but it does not serve as a certification of skills. Additionally, experience in administering medications can vary widely among staff members and does not guarantee that they have been properly assessed for competence in this specific context. Therefore, validation by a nurse or pharmacist is a crucial step in ensuring high standards of care and patient safety in adult care homes.