California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

Residents who self-administer medications are required to do which of the following?

1. Use the assisted living facility's preferred pharmacy

2. Store their medications centrally

3. Take their medications in the dining room

4. Use a pill organizer filled by a licensed nurse

The correct answer is: Store their medications centrally

When residents in a nursing home or assisted living facility self-administer their medications, it is essential that their medications are stored securely to ensure safety and prevent misuse. Storing medications centrally allows for better management and oversight, ensuring that staff can monitor medication use and intervene if necessary. This practice helps maintain the residents' safety and promotes adherence to medication protocols, minimizing risks associated with self-administration, such as incorrect dosages or medication interactions. In contrast, the other options do not align with the best practices for safely managing self-administered medications. Requiring the use of a preferred pharmacy may not accommodate residents' choices or needs. Taking medications in a communal area like the dining room could lead to privacy issues or confusion about dosages and schedules. Utilizing a pill organizer filled by a licensed nurse may be beneficial in certain contexts but does not uniquely pertain to the responsibility of residents who are capable of managing their own medications, as they might prefer a more personal approach to their medication routines. Thus, the requirement to store medications centrally for those who self-administer fosters a safe and respectful environment.