California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

What action can unlicensed staff perform for a competent resident requesting a prescribed 'as needed' medication?

1. Assist the resident with the medication

2. Call the nurse for permission

3. Administer the medication without supervision

4. Provide any over-the-counter medication as well

The correct answer is: Assist the resident with the medication

Assisting a competent resident with their 'as needed' prescribed medication is appropriate for unlicensed staff. In this context, 'assist' means offering support or guidance to the resident in self-administration rather than performing the actual administration themselves. The resident, being competent, retains the responsibility for taking the medication, ensuring their autonomy and right to make decisions regarding their own health. Unlicensed staff play a supportive role, which may include helping the resident locate their medication or reminding them of the proper dosages and timing, but they do not cross the professional boundary into administration, which is typically reserved for licensed personnel. This maintains the integrity of care and complies with legal and regulatory standards. Other options do not align with the established practices; for instance, calling the nurse for permission is unnecessary when the resident is competent, and administering medication without supervision would not be appropriate for unlicensed staff. Similarly, providing over-the-counter medications typically requires specific training and oversight, further distinguishing the boundaries of practice for unlicensed staff.