Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

Can a nurse provide OTC medications without a health care provider's order?

1. True

2. False

3. Only in emergencies

4. Only with patient consent

The correct answer is: False

In the context of Florida Assisted Living Facilities, a nurse typically cannot provide over-the-counter (OTC) medications without a health care provider's order. This requirement is in place to ensure that medication management is safe and appropriate for each individual resident. The need for a health care provider's order provides a layer of oversight, which is crucial in preventing potential drug interactions, allergies, or inappropriate use of medications that may not be suitable for certain residents due to their health conditions or other medications they may be taking. Moreover, health care providers are responsible for evaluating each resident's health status and determining the need for particular medications. This safeguards against the risks associated with administering medications without proper assessment and guidance. Additionally, the administration of medications in assisted living facilities must follow established protocols and regulations, which include requiring orders from licensed health care providers for both prescription and OTC medications. While other options suggest scenarios under which a nurse might administer OTC medications—such as emergencies or with patient consent—these practices are not standard procedure and can lead to potential liability issues, mismanagement, or adverse health outcomes. Therefore, adherence to the requirement of a health care provider's order is the correct and safest practice.