Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

Which action is appropriate for unlicensed staff when assisting a resident with medication?

1. Administer medication without confirmation

2. Assist a competent resident who requests prescribed "as needed" sedative

3. Give medication without consulting healthcare provider

4. Call a nurse to ask if a resident can take medication

The correct answer is: Assist a competent resident who requests prescribed "as needed" sedative

The appropriate action for unlicensed staff when assisting a resident with medication is to assist a competent resident who requests a prescribed "as needed" sedative. This option is correct because it acknowledges the resident's right to make choices about their own care, especially when they are considered competent to make such decisions. The concept of "as needed" medication indicates that the resident has the autonomy to request the medication when they feel it is necessary, and unlicensed staff can provide assistance in a manner that respects the resident's wishes and the established protocols. In this context, unlicensed staff should be aware of the importance of resident autonomy and ensure that any assistance provided aligns with the facility's policies and state laws regarding medication administration. This includes verifying that the resident has been prescribed the sedative and understands when and why it is appropriate to take it. The other options involve actions that could compromise resident safety or go against protocol. Administering medication without confirmation can lead to errors and endangers the resident's health. Giving medication without consulting a healthcare provider does not ensure the resident's needs are being accurately met and might contravene legal and regulatory guidelines. Finally, while calling a nurse to ask if a resident can take medication might be seen as a cautious approach, it