Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

Before assisting residents with their medications, what is a crucial action for staff?

1. Ask if they wish to take their medication

2. Wash their hands

3. Advise on medication side effects

4. Prepare all medications in advance

The correct answer is: Wash their hands

Washing hands is a crucial action for staff before assisting residents with their medications because it is a fundamental part of infection control practices. Proper hand hygiene reduces the risk of transmitting germs and infections to vulnerable populations, such as those in assisted living facilities, who may already have compromised immune systems. By ensuring hands are clean, staff can help maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents during medication administration. This practice is in line with health care guidelines and standards that prioritize the well-being of both staff and residents. The other actions, while important in their respective contexts, do not take precedence over handwashing in terms of foundational infection control protocol that helps protect residents' health during every interaction, especially when it involves medications.