Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

What should staff do if a medication falls on the floor while assisting a resident?

1. Pick it up and give it to the resident

2. Consider it contaminated and dispose of it properly

3. Ask the resident if they would like to skip the dosage

4. Call a supervisor for guidance

The correct answer is: Consider it contaminated and dispose of it properly

When a medication falls on the floor, it is important to treat the situation with caution to ensure the safety and health of the resident. Considering the medication as contaminated reflects proper health and safety protocols. Medications that have come into contact with a potentially unclean surface may pose a risk of infection or may not be effective if they pick up dirt or bacteria. Disposing of the medication properly ensures that it cannot be re-administered in an unsafe state. This action also aligns with best practices in medication management and infection control, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a sterile and safe environment for residents. In contrast, simply picking it up and giving it to the resident without any assessment disregards these crucial safety measures. Asking the resident if they want to skip the dosage fails to adhere to established medication protocols, which usually require direct guidance from trained healthcare professionals. While calling a supervisor for guidance could be seen as cautious, it is typically not necessary for the immediate disposal of a contaminated medication. Thus, treating the fallen medication as contaminated and disposing of it is the best practice in order to uphold the health standards expected in assisted living facilities.