Is the MACE Exam Hard?

Drops must be instilled first because they absorb quickly. Waiting 3 to 5 minutes allows the drops to absorb fully before the ointment is applied, which creates a barrier. This is tempting because ointments are thicker, but applying ointment first creates a barrier that prevents the eye drops from being absorbed. This is incorrect because applying them immediately together will cause the ointment to wash out the drops or block their absorption. This is incorrect because ophthalmic medications should never be mixed simultaneously in the eye; they require separate administration to ensure proper dosing and absorption.

Standard tablets like acetaminophen and lisinopril can generally be crushed. However, delayed-release (DR), enteric-coated (EC), or extended-release (ER) medications must never be crushed. The MA-C must hold the DR med and ask the nurse for an alternative order. This is tempting because it fulfills the resident's request, but crushing a delayed-release medication destroys its special coating, leading to improper absorption and potential stomach irritation. This is incorrect because it involves crushing the delayed-release medication, which is contraindicated, while leaving a standard crushable tablet whole. This is incorrect because the MA-C can safely crush standard tablets to assist a resident with swallowing difficulties; refusing the entire request ignores the resident's valid need for assistance.

The standard acceptable window for time-critical scheduled medications is 60 minutes total: 30 minutes before the scheduled time until 30 minutes after. This is tempting because some non-time-critical medications have a 2-hour window, but time-critical medications require stricter adherence to prevent adverse effects or altered efficacy. This is incorrect because it is practically impossible in a facility setting to give every resident their medication at the exact minute it is ordered; a 60-minute window is standard. This is incorrect because delaying a scheduled morning medication until noon violates the 'Right Time' and can disrupt the therapeutic blood levels of the drug.