MACE Study Guide

This is correct. Medications must remain under the direct observation and control of the Medication Aide until they are swallowed by the intended resident. Leaving the cup on the table is tempting because it honors the resident's request, but medications must never be left unattended at the bedside due to the risk of loss or another resident taking them. Asking the roommate is tempting as a way to secure the room, but it violates privacy laws and delegates a safety responsibility to another resident, which is strictly prohibited. Documenting as refused is tempting if the time window is closing, but the resident did not refuse the medication; he only requested a brief delay for a basic need.

This is correct. Anaphylaxis is a rapid, life-threatening emergency. The Medication Aide must not leave the resident and must call the nurse immediately for assessment and intervention. Administering a PRN antihistamine is tempting if one is ordered, but the Medication Aide cannot independently assess an allergic reaction and initiate emergency treatment without RN direction. Checking vital signs is tempting because it gathers clinical data, but it delays immediate RN notification during a critical airway emergency. Documenting and notifying later is tempting as a standard reporting method for minor issues, but it is highly dangerous because airway swelling requires immediate emergency intervention.

This is correct. The therapeutic intent of a stool softener is to promote regular bowel movements; no bowel movement in three days indicates a lack of therapeutic effect and a risk for impaction, which must be reported. Nausea is tempting as it can be a side effect of many medications, but it does not directly evaluate whether the stool softener is achieving its intended therapeutic effect. Dark yellow urine is tempting because it indicates dehydration, but it is not a direct measure of the stool softener's therapeutic effect. Requesting extra water is tempting because hydration helps bowel function, but it is a healthy behavior, not an observation of the medication's therapeutic effect.