North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

The expected action of a Medication Aide when a patient shows signs of medication side effects is to report the side effects to a nurse for evaluation. This is critical because Medication Aides are not authorized to make medical decisions or adjustments to medication regimens independently. Reporting side effects to a nurse ensures that a qualified healthcare professional can assess the situation, determine the severity of the side effects, and decide on the appropriate course of action. This protocol ensures patient safety and effective management of their care.

In contrast, adjusting the medication dose independently is outside the scope of practice for Medication Aides and could lead to potential harm to the patient. Discussing side effects with the patient only does not fulfill the obligation to inform a qualified health professional who can take necessary actions. Simply documenting the side effects and doing nothing would neglect the responsibility of monitoring and responding to a patient’s condition, which could worsen without intervention. By reporting these side effects, the Medication Aide plays a crucial role in the healthcare team and helps ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of the patient.