Is the MACE Exam Hard?

This is correct. The therapeutic intent of a stool softener is to promote regular bowel movements; no bowel movement in three days indicates a lack of therapeutic effect and a risk for impaction, which must be reported. Nausea is tempting as it can be a side effect of many medications, but it does not directly evaluate whether the stool softener is achieving its intended therapeutic effect. Dark yellow urine is tempting because it indicates dehydration, but it is not a direct measure of the stool softener's therapeutic effect. Requesting extra water is tempting because hydration helps bowel function, but it is a healthy behavior, not an observation of the medication's therapeutic effect.

This is correct. Dairy binds with certain antibiotics, preventing absorption. The Medication Aide must hold the medication and notify the nurse when a resident is consuming contraindicated foods. Giving it immediately is tempting to stay on schedule, but the medication will still mix with the dairy in her stomach, causing the interaction. Crushing and mixing is tempting to ensure she takes it, but this directly violates the MAR instruction by forcing the medication to mix with dairy. Providing water is tempting, but because she is actively eating cereal with milk, the dairy is already in her stomach, so the interaction will still occur.

This is correct. A dropped controlled substance is contaminated and must be wasted. Wasting a controlled substance requires a witness (usually a nurse) and specific documentation to maintain an accurate narcotic count. Disposing in the regular trash is tempting because the pill is contaminated, but controlled substances cannot be thrown in the trash due to strict tracking and diversion laws. Leaving it on the floor is tempting if the aide is in a hurry, but this creates a severe safety hazard and a high risk for drug diversion. Wiping the tablet is tempting to avoid the paperwork of a wasted narcotic, but a dropped pill is contaminated and can never be administered to a resident.