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MACE: Medication Concepts & Measurements

Medication concepts and measurements make up about 24% of the MACE. These questions cover drug classes, common side effects, and the math — household-to-metric conversions and reading a label or order. Each has a full rationale.

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  • 💡 Key Takeaways — the one transferable rule per question
  • 🔍 Hint highlights — the decisive cue phrases in each stem
  • 📖 Full rationales — why every option is right or wrong

Every MACE question is written to the current exam outline for quick learning and a clear pass strategy.

Written and reviewed by the LexPort exam-prep team, led by our Founder & Exam-Prep Lead. LexPort builds certification practice questions — this is exam-preparation material, not medical advice. Last reviewed August 2026.

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Test yourself: 3 MACE practice questions

Tap an answer for instant feedback and the full rationale.

Question 1

The Medication Aide pops a routine, non-controlled docusate sodium capsule into a medication cup. The resident refuses the dose, stating they have had loose stools. After notifying the nurse and documenting the refusal, how should the aide handle the refused capsule?

▸ Why D is the answer

Popped, non-controlled medications that are refused must be destroyed and discarded according to facility policy (often using a designated pharmaceutical waste container or a drug-deactivating pouch).

Question 2

A Medication Aide is preparing to administer a newly prescribed oral medication. The aide is unfamiliar with the drug's common side effects and wants to know what to observe the resident for after administration. What is the most appropriate resource for the aide to consult first?

▸ Why A is the answer

A drug guide or package insert provides reliable, standardized pharmacological information, including common side effects, nursing considerations, and administration guidelines.

Question 3

A Medication Aide is reviewing a new medication that is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. What does this classification indicate about the medication?

▸ Why B is the answer

Schedule II controlled substances (such as certain opioids and stimulants) have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, requiring strict security and documentation.

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Question 1

The MAR directs the Medication Aide to administer 15 mL of a liquid potassium supplement. The resident asks, "How many teaspoons is that?" What is the correct response?

  • A) 1 teaspoon
  • B) 2 teaspoons
  • C) 3 teaspoons✓
  • D) 5 teaspoons
Show rationale

One standard measuring teaspoon equals 5 milliliters (mL); therefore, 15 mL divided by 5 mL equals 3 teaspoons.

Question 2

The MAR states, "Phenytoin 100 mg PO daily." The pharmacy supplies a liquid suspension labeled "Phenytoin 125 mg / 5 mL." The MAR does not specify the volume in milliliters. Which action must the Medication Aide take?

  • A) Work out the volume from the label yourself and pour that amount.
  • B) Give 5 mL since it is the standard unit dose for this suspension.
  • C) Consult a drug reference guide to determine the standard conversion.
  • D) Ask the delegating nurse to calculate and verify the correct volume.✓
Show rationale

Correct — the MAR gives the dose in mg but not the volume, and converting 100 mg to mL from the 125 mg/5 mL concentration is a dose calculation outside the MA-C's scope. The aide asks the delegating nurse to calculate and verify it.

Question 3

When reviewing a transcribed medication order on the MAR, which abbreviation is considered error-prone and should prompt the Medication Aide to verify the order with the nurse?

  • A) QOD✓
  • B) PRN
  • C) BID
  • D) NPO
Show rationale

QOD (every other day) is on the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) 'Do Not Use' list because it is frequently misread as QD (daily) or QID (four times daily), leading to serious dosing errors.

Question 4

A resident requests their PRN medication for nausea. The Medication Aide checks the MAR and sees four PRN orders. Which medication classification is indicated for this resident's request?

  • A) Analgesic
  • B) Antiemetic✓
  • C) Antipyretic
  • D) Antitussive
Show rationale

Antiemetics are medications specifically classified to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting.

Question 5

Which statement describes a key characteristic of a medication formulated as a suspension?

  • A) It is a clear liquid containing water and alcohol, requiring no agitation before use.
  • B) It is a concentrated solution of sugar and water designed to mask a bitter taste.
  • C) It contains solid drug particles dispersed in a liquid and must be shaken vigorously before pouring.✓
  • D) It is an oil-and-water mixture that should be administered strictly on an empty stomach.
Show rationale

A suspension consists of undissolved particles that settle at the bottom of the bottle over time, so it must be shaken to ensure an accurate, evenly distributed dose.

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