North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

When a resident is using the bathroom at medication time, what is unacceptable?

1. Administering their medication later

2. Flagging the MAR to return later

3. Calling them to hurry back

4. Leaving their medication for them

The correct answer is: Flagging the MAR to return later

The correct approach in this scenario is to flag the Medication Administration Record (MAR) to return later. The MAR is a critical tool that ensures medications are administered accurately and safely according to the established schedule. By merely flagging it, you are acknowledging that you need to return to administer the medication after the resident has completed their bathroom visit, which prioritizes the resident's dignity and privacy. Leaving their medication for them presents a danger, as the medication could be taken unsupervised, leading to potential misuse or adverse effects. Administering medication later is generally acceptable as long as it's done within the designated time frames and it's documented appropriately. Calling them to hurry back may create unnecessary pressure and is not compassionate or respectful of their personal needs. Overall, it is vital to consider patient safety and the principles of medication administration when addressing this situation, which is why indicating a need to return rather than taking any other action is the most appropriate response.