CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalHard
A new nurse aide is unsure if they are allowed to administer a specific over-the-counter medication (e.g., antacid) that a resident requested. What is the BEST course of action?
- ATell the resident you cannot give it and suggest they ask their family to bring it.
- BAdminister the medication if it's over-the-counter and seems harmless.
- CCheck the facility's policy manual and consult with the charge nurse.
- DAdminister the medication if another experienced nurse aide says it's okay.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Check the facility's policy manual and consult with the charge nurse.
Administering any medication, even over-the-counter, is typically outside the scope of practice for a nurse aide unless specific training and delegation occur. The safest and most professional action is to first consult the facility's policy and then confirm with the charge nurse to ensure compliance and resident safety.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This dismisses the resident's need and does not address the immediate request or the CNA's scope of practice.
- B. Administering medication is generally outside a CNA's scope of practice and could lead to harm or legal issues.
- D. Taking advice from another CNA without verifying policy or consulting the nurse is unsafe and unprofessional; the other CNA may also be acting outside their scope.
CNA Scope of Practice: Medication
The CNA's scope of practice typically does not include administering medications, including most over-the-counter drugs. Any deviation requires specific training, delegation by a licensed nurse, and adherence to facility policy.
- Medication administration is usually for licensed personnel.
- Always verify with facility policy and nurse for clarification.
- Never perform tasks outside your defined scope of practice.
Memory trick: Medication questions? Consult the manual and the chief nurse.