Safety First
Your patient tells you that they cannot take their medication because their stomach is upset. Can you leave the pills with him to take when he is feeling better?
NO
If a medication has been discontinued, how should that be noted in the MAR?
You have just administered a buccal medication. When can you leave the patient's room.
Once the medication has been placed and dissolved and closing procedures performed.
Where are buccal medications properly placed?
Between the cheek and gums.
Name the Beginning 5
1. Knock, wait for response 2. Identify self and patient 3. Wash hands 4. Explain procedure 5. Provide privacy
Before leaving a patient's room, describe how the patient's bed should be left?
Lowest position, Bed wheels locked, side rails per facility policy or as ordered.
If a med is refused or not given to a patient, how should that be documented in the MAR?
How long should you shake an inhaler before administering?
Shake well for 10 seconds.
How long does a patient have to remain in position after administration of a rectal suppository?
Name the Ending 5
1. Lower bed, rails, Remove privacy 2. Call Light 3. Wash hands 4. Report 5. Document
Where should a used transdermal patch be disposed of?
Secure waste storage bin on the med cart.
How are allergies identified for patients?
If more than 1 inhalation is ordered with an inhaler, how long should you wait between inhalations?
1 minute
After eye drops have administered in the ear canal, what is the next step? How long does the resident have to maintain position?
Place a clean cotton ball over the ear canal (not IN the ear canal). Resident should hold their position for 3-5 minutes.
Do you need to take vital signs BEFORE giving a nebulizer treatment?
YES. The medication can increase heart rate.
True or False. A CMA gave a pain medication to a resident which was ordered PRN. They do NOT need to follow up again with the resident.
FALSE.
If a patient has refused medication _____ times, the nurse should be notified. Why?
2 times. The nurse can do the third attempt, offer patient education, or notify the doctor.
If a patient has 2 different eye drops, how long should you wait before instilling the second eye drop med?
5 minutes
How should a patient be positioned for a rectal suppository?
On their left side, upper leg flexed, covered with drape as appropriate.
Typically, when oxygen is ordered what does the dose look like?
It will be in liters (from .25L up to 10L).
Can a CMA start an IV for a patient under a nurse's supervision?
No
How many people are required to complete a narcotic count and who are they?
The CMA coming on shift to receive the cart. The CMA coming off shift to send the cart. The supervising nurse may also assist.
When administering eye drops, how should the eye be prepared for the medication?
A tissue should be used to wipe the eye from the inner canthus out. Use a new tissue for the other eye. Wear gloves.
No one can leave the area until the error is found, and facility policy has been followed for the error.
Can a CMA give G Tube medications?
Yes; however, you must be trained by a nurse or doctor prior to giving them. If you are not trained, you should refuse until training is completed.