Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

What tasks can unlicensed, trained staff perform under healthcare provider orders?

1. Administer injections and hold medications at family request

2. Apply patches, perform glucometer testing, and crush medications

3. Give eardrops and draw insulin into a syringe

4. Pour liquid dosage and give pre-packaged enemas

The correct answer is: Apply patches, perform glucometer testing, and crush medications

The identification of the correct answer lies in understanding the scope of practice for unlicensed, trained staff in an assisted living facility setting. These individuals are permitted to perform certain tasks that are generally considered non-invasive and do not require specific licensure, as long as they operate under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider. Applying patches, performing glucometer testing, and crushing medications are tasks that fall within the realm of supportive care that unlicensed staff can typically perform. Each of these activities is focused on monitoring and facilitating the administration of prescribed treatment rather than delivering direct medical interventions that would require a licensed practitioner. For instance, applying patches is a controlled method of medication delivery that does not involve injections, thus not requiring higher-level training. Similarly, performing glucometer testing, which involves checking blood sugar levels, is a straightforward task that lets trained staff monitor the health of residents with diabetes under the supervision of healthcare providers. Crushing medications, on the other hand, is often necessary to assist residents who may have difficulty swallowing pills, provided it follows safety guidelines and is done as instructed by a physician. Tasks mentioned in the other choices, such as administering injections or drawing insulin into a syringe, involve a level of skill and training that exceeds what unlicensed staff can