North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

What should you do if Mrs. Walls is difficult to wake up and has trouble swallowing her medications?

1. Hold her medications and notify the supervisor

2. Administer her medications as usual

3. Try to wake her up using stimulation techniques

4. Give her medications with food

The correct answer is: Hold her medications and notify the supervisor

In the scenario where Mrs. Walls is difficult to wake up and has trouble swallowing her medications, the appropriate action is to hold her medications and notify the supervisor. This response is correct because administering medications to a patient who is not fully alert or has difficulty swallowing poses significant risks. If the patient is in a state where they cannot safely take their medication, it could lead to choking, aspiration, or inadequate absorption of the medication, which can have serious health implications. Being unable to wake a patient could also be indicative of an underlying health issue that requires further evaluation. Notifying a supervisor ensures that the incident is documented and that appropriate medical interventions can be made. The supervisor can assess the situation and provide guidance on how to proceed, whether that involves assessing the patient's condition or determining alternative methods for medication administration. This approach prioritizes the safety and well-being of the patient, adhering to best practices in medication administration.