North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

What should you do if you are unsure about the administration of a medication?

1. Ask a resident if they recall the dosage

2. Administer it anyway without hesitation

3. Contact your supervisor or another healthcare professional

4. Wait until the next shift to clarify

The correct answer is: Contact your supervisor or another healthcare professional

When faced with uncertainty regarding the administration of medication, the most appropriate action is to contact your supervisor or another healthcare professional. This option is correct because it prioritizes patient safety and ensures that the medication is administered correctly according to established protocols. Health care environments are high-stakes settings where medication errors can have serious consequences. Therefore, seeking guidance from a supervisor or another qualified professional allows for clarification of the correct dosage, potential interactions, and overall appropriateness of the medication for the patient's condition. It's important to confirm any doubts rather than proceeding with an administration that could potentially harm the patient. Acting on impulse, such as administering the medication without hesitation, overlooks the critical responsibility of ensuring accuracy in patient care. Similarly, waiting until a later time to clarify can delay necessary treatment and compromise patient outcomes. Asking a resident may not provide reliable answers because they might not have the complete knowledge or authority needed to address the situation effectively. Therefore, reaching out to a supervising or experienced healthcare professional is the best course of action to ensure both patient safety and compliance with healthcare standards.