North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a key responsibility of a medication aide before administering a medication?

1. Preparing the medication quickly to meet deadlines

2. Confirming the identity of the resident receiving the medication

3. Consulting with other aides for support

4. Documenting any medication errors immediately

The correct answer is: Confirming the identity of the resident receiving the medication

Confirming the identity of the resident receiving the medication is a critical responsibility for a medication aide before administering any medication. This step is essential to ensure that the right person receives the correct medication, thus preventing potential medication errors that can lead to serious health consequences for the resident. To confirm identity, aides typically utilize methods such as asking the resident to state their name and verifying it against the medication administration record (MAR) or using identification wristbands if available. This protocol helps to maintain patient safety and ensure that each resident receives personalized care tailored to their specific health needs. In contrast, while preparing medication quickly might seem practical, it compromises safety and accuracy. Consulting with other aides can be helpful for teamwork, but it does not replace the primary responsibility of ensuring the right medication is given to the correct person. Documenting medication errors is indeed important but occurs after a medication has been administered, thus it is not a responsibility before administration.