Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

What responsibility do nurses have in an assisted living facility regarding medication?

1. Delegate all medication tasks to unlicensed staff

2. Administer "as needed" medications

3. Pre-pour medications for residents

4. Change labels on medication containers

The correct answer is: Administer "as needed" medications

In an assisted living facility, nurses play a crucial role in managing residents' medication needs. One of their primary responsibilities is to administer medication that is prescribed "as needed" (often referred to as PRN medications). This entails assessing the resident's condition and determining whether they require the medication at that moment, which is vital for ensuring that residents receive appropriate care tailored to their individual health needs. Administering medication is not just about following orders; it requires clinical judgment and ongoing assessment to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents. PRN medications typically address specific symptoms or conditions that may arise unexpectedly, and proper administration involves monitoring the patient's response and adjusting care as necessary. This is why this choice accurately captures the responsibilities that nurses hold in assisting residents with their medical needs. In contrast, the other options involve responsibilities that are typically beyond the appropriate scope or best practices for nurses in an assisted living context. Delegating all medication tasks to unlicensed staff can compromise patient safety since these personnel might not have the training required to understand the implications of medication administration. Pre-pouring medications can lead to errors and may violate safety protocols, as it does not allow for the necessary checks and balances at the time of administration. Changing labels on medication containers is a significant