California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

What are unlicensed staff allowed to prepare when assisting residents with their medication?

1. Additional medications they deem necessary

2. Food items mixed with crushed medications

3. Items such as cups, spoons, and water

4. Documentation for medication administration

The correct answer is: Items such as cups, spoons, and water

Unlicensed staff are permitted to prepare items such as cups, spoons, and water when assisting residents with their medication. This provision allows them to facilitate the medication administration process without crossing the line into tasks that require medical training or licensure. Proper preparation of these items ensures that residents can take their medications as prescribed, as it aids in the organization and administration of medications in a safe and compliant manner. Choosing to allow unlicensed staff to assist with basic preparation tasks helps to ensure that they are providing supportive care without engaging in practices that could potentially jeopardize the safety and efficacy of the medication regimen. Additionally, this follows regulations set forth to maintain a clear distinction between the roles of licensed professionals and unlicensed support staff in healthcare settings. Other choices, such as preparing additional medications or mixing medications with food, involve clinical judgment or knowledge that unlicensed staff typically do not possess, and thus are not permitted for them to perform.