North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Can medications be given to residents without proper documentation on the MAR?

1. Yes, in emergencies

2. No, documentation is necessary

3. Only if the resident agrees

4. Only if the staff member remembers

The correct answer is: No, documentation is necessary

Proper documentation on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) is essential for ensuring the safe and effective administration of medications to residents. This record serves as a legal document that tracks the medications given to each resident, along with pertinent details such as dosage, time of administration, and the staff member who administered the medication. When medications are given without accurate documentation, it increases the risk of medication errors, which can lead to adverse effects for residents, including overdoses or missed doses. Documentation is crucial not only for maintaining accountability among staff but also for providing a clear medical history should any issues arise or if additional care is required. In the context of regulations and best practices in healthcare settings, it is mandatory to follow proper protocols to ensure resident safety. Therefore, proper documentation on the MAR is necessary before administering medications.