North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Why was the order for Darvocet N-100 not transcribed correctly on the MAR?

1. It was missing the patient’s name

2. It did not specify administration times for prn medications

3. Dosage information was incorrect

4. It was noted for a different patient

The correct answer is: It did not specify administration times for prn medications

The explanation regarding the transcription issue with the order for Darvocet N-100 primarily revolves around the importance of specifying administration times, particularly for prn (as needed) medications. In medication administration, clarity and details are crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective treatment. When a prn medication is ordered, it is essential to include when the medication should be administered, as this guides the caregiver in determining when to give the medication based on the patient's needs. Without clear administration times for a prn medication, it becomes ambiguous as to when the medication should be given, potentially leading to missed doses or inappropriate administration that could result in inadequate pain management or other negative outcomes. Therefore, this lack of specificity in the transcribed order on the MAR directly impacts the effectiveness and safety of the medication’s use, highlighting why this answer is particularly relevant in the context of safe medication administration practices. In contrast, while factors such as a missing patient name, incorrect dosage, or being noted for a different patient are significant in ensuring that the right patient receives the right medication, they do not directly address the scheduling and timing necessary for prn medications like Darvocet N-100. These aspects are also important but do not specifically pertain to the administration timing problem that the