North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Why is it concerning to leave medications at the bedside?

1. The medications may improve on their own

2. The resident might never take the medications

3. Medications should always be taken in front of a nurse

4. It encourages self-administration

The correct answer is: The resident might never take the medications

Leaving medications at the bedside raises significant concerns primarily because the resident might never take the medications. This is critical as prescribed medications are typically part of a care plan designed to manage a resident's health condition. When medications are left unattended, there is a risk that they could be forgotten or overlooked entirely, which can lead to missed doses and exacerbate health complications. This practice also removes the structured oversight that healthcare providers normally offer, which ensures that medications are taken as prescribed and at the correct times. The intended therapeutic effect of the medication may not occur, which can have detrimental effects on the resident’s health. Additionally, while self-administration can be a part of some residents' care plans, it is not appropriate for all individuals, especially those who may have memory issues or cognitive impairments. Therefore, not ensuring medications are taken as directed is the key concern when it comes to leaving them at the bedside.