Certified Medication Aide

USDOL NGS Comfort Keepers

National (OA)

Documents

Individual state requirements may vary. Please contact your local apprenticeship office to ensure this version is suitable to your state’s requirements.

Work Process Schedule

Work Process Content

On the Job Training

Anonymous

203

Skills

1.5K

OJT hours

Safety and Medication Administration: Pharmacodynamics

Define pharmacokinetics.
Define medication action.
Explain the relationship between medication and drugs.
State the four basic medication actions.
Name and describe the four body processes that affect medication action.
Identify factors influencing mediation action and identify their effects.
Define medication effects.
State the difference between therapeutic effects and side effects.
Differentiate between local and systemic effects.
Recognize descriptions of major adverse reactions.
Identify the meaning for the terms, which describe unwanted medication reactions.
Differentiate between synergism and antagonism.
Explain the difference between physiological and physical medication dependence.
Name classifications of drugs that are commonly abused.

Safety and Medication Administration: Forms of Medication

Identify forms in which medications are available and implications for effective use.
Tell how lotions, liniments, and ointments should be applied.
State the correct procedures for storing and using tinctures, fluid extracts, elixirs, spirits and suspensions.
Explain what delayed-release tablets and capsules are and how they should be given to residents.
State the rules for giving enteric-coated tablets and capsules.
List and describe the routes for administering medications.
Explain who is qualified to give medications by the parenternal route.

Safety and Medication Administration: Mathematics, Weights, and Measures

Identify what professionals are responsible for calculating drug dosages.
Identify the importance of correct dose measurement.
Correctly read and write lower case roman numbers 1/2 through 30.
Define the prefixes used in the metric system.
Add and subtract fractions decimals.
Describe the disadvantages of the household system of measurement and medication use.
List two drugs that are measured in units, convert grams to milligrams, and vice versa.
List some of the most common equivalents among the different systems of measurement.

Safety and Drug Administration: Drug Standards and Names

Define drug standards and tell how they are determined.
Explain why drug standards are necessary.
Identify the need of "U.S.P." following a drug name.
List and describe two types of names by which drugs are known.
Differentiate between generic and brand names for drugs.

Safety and Drug Administration: Drug Resources Information

Identify names of resources for drug information.
Demonstrate ability to use drug resources to obtain drug information.

Drugs and Body Systems: Urinary System

Identify basic structures and functions of the urinary system.
State the three functions of the urinary system
Define the key terms for the urinary system, especially: a. Anuria b. Catheter c. Dysuria d. Hematuria e. Incontinence f. Nephritis g. PH h. Pyuria
Explain how changes in the urine give clues to disorders in the urinary system.
Define the symptoms of urinary system disorders and fluid imbalances.
Describe the causes of dehydration and its treatment.
Describe the following drug groups or treatments by giving examples of common medications or treatments and their actions, and listing nursing care and side effects associated with that type of drug/treatment: a. Antispasmodics b. Antibiotics c. Urinary antiseptics d. Urinary analgesics e. Diuretics f. Replacement electrolytes (potassium, calcium, etc.)
Identify drugs used to treat urinary tract disorders and nursing measures to promote effectiveness.
State the purposes of a urinary catheter.
Identify nursing actions to monitor a diuretic's actions, to observe for complications and promote comfort for the resident.
Identify the reason that potassium replacement drugs are used with diuretics.
Identify nursing actions to prevent medication reactions.

Drugs and Body Systems: Respiratory System

Identify the major structures and functions of the respiratory system.
Describe the mechanisms of breathing.
Explain how gases are exchanged in the lungs.
List the normal respiratory rate.
Describe the major respiratory disorders
List and describe common signs and symptoms of respiratory disorders using correct medical terms.
Describe the actions, give examples, nursing care and side effects for these drug groups: antihistamines, decongestants, and bronchodilators.
Explain and demonstrate how to administer medication through a meter dose inhaler.
Explain and demonstrate how to administer medication using a nasal inhaler.

Drugs and Body Systems: Digestive System

Identify the basic structures and functions of the digestive (gastrointestinal) system.
State the five main functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
Name the major parts of the GI system and tell what they do.
Define the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
Describe the major gastrointestinal disorders for which medications are prescribed.
Describe the actions, give examples, nursing care and side effects for these drug groups: a. Antacids b. Antisecretory drug c. Digestants d. Antiflatulents e. Emetics f. Antiemetics g. Anticholinergics h. Antispasmodics i. Diarrhea medications j. Cathartics (laxatives and purgestives) k. Antiparasitics
Discuss non-drug means of controlling diarrhea and for preventing and correcting constipation.
Identify principles to remember in administering medications for the digestive system safely.

Drugs and Body Systems: Nervous Systems

Identify the two major divisions of the nervous system.
Describe the common structures associated with these divisions.
Use the appropriate terms associated with signs of nervous system disorders.
Describe disorders of the nervous system, especially those associated with aging: Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, drug induced movement disorders, seizure disorders, stroke, tumors, inflammation and infections.
Identify related medications and treatments for disorders of the nervous system.
Discuss implications for nursing care and side effects of medications associated with major nervous system disorders.
Describe the actions and give examples of the following drug groups: CNS cerebral stimulants, respiratory stimulants, CNS depressants, narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics, antidepressants sedative/hypnotics, antipsychotics, antimanic psychotherapeutic, and anti-Parkinson's disease drugs.
Identify drugs that are often involved in drug abuse.
Describe general nursing care when giving medications for the nervous system.
List medications, which may result in transient of permanent drug-induced movement disorders.
Describe several mental conditions for which psychotropic medications may be given as treatment.
List medications, which may result in a high potential for the resident to fall.
Define pain.
Describe the advantage of scheduled pain medication versus PRN Medication for chronic pain control.
Define placebo. Discuss the ethical issues associated with using placebos.

Drugs and Body Systems: Drugs Affecting the Special Senses: Eye

Identify basic structures and functions of the eye, terms and abbreviations referring to the eye.
Describe the mechanisms of sight.
Describe the effects of aging on the structures of vision.
Identify major disorders of the eyes and vision.
List terms and abbreviations associated with providing medications to the eyes.
Describe the proper procedures for administering eye drops and ointments.
Identify measures, which help ensure safety for the resident with glaucoma.
Identify the name and actions of drugs used to treat glaucoma.
Identify reasons why anti-infective drugs may be used in the eye and give some examples of drugs used.
Identify actions, uses and names for eye lubricants.

Drugs and Body Systems: Drugs Affecting the Special Senses: Ear

Identify major structures of the ear and their functions.
Describe the effects of aging on auditory structures and functions.
Describe the major disorders of the ear for which medications are given.
Describe the actions and give examples of nursing care and side effects of these drug groups for disorders affecting the ear: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictives, antihistamines, analgesics, and ear wax softeners.
Describe the methods/steps/proper procedure for correctly administering ear medications.

Drugs and Body Systems: Musculoskeletal Systems

Identity the major structures, functions of the musculoskeletal system.
Identify the major disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system, especially associated with aging.
Explain the difference between gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Discuss malfunctions of bone marrow and their effects on the blood.
Name related medications, their actions, uses, side effects and implications in treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
Describe the usual care of residents with musculoskeletal disorders, especially as it relates to medication administration.

Drugs and Body Systems: Endocrine System

Identity the major structures and functions of the endocrine system.
Describe the regulatory mechanisms of the endocrine system.
Illustrate why disorders may be prefixed with "hypo" or "hyper".
Give examples of disorders of the endocrine system names in the manner.
Give examples of drugs used for hormone replacement therapy for thyroid diseases, pituitary disorders, and diabetes.
Use correct medical terms when referring to parts of the endocrine system and symptoms of hormone imbalances.
Describe how the body malfunctions in diabetes and what changes occur in the urine of an untreated diabetic.
State what factors influence the diabetic resident's insulin needs.
Identify diet, activity and medication as treatments of diabetes.
List the kinds of insulin available for treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Recognize the symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and explain how they are treated.
Give examples of oral hypoglycemics used for diabetes treatment and explain how they work.
State names, action, side effects of oral hypoglycemia agents.
Explain why diabetics must have frequent blood tests.
State the actions of glucocorticoids and mineral corticoids and give examples of each.
List at least three uses of corticosteroids.
List at least five possible side effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy.

Drugs and Body Systems: Reproductive System

Name the main parts of the male and the female internal and external genitalia.
Use correct medical terms to describe the parts, functions, and disorders of the reproductive system.
Name the hormones produced by the male and female gonads and tell what they do.
Describe the actions of gonadotropins, oxytocin, and prolactin.
Recognize descriptions of the major disorders that affect the reproductive system.
List the main uses of hormones in drug therapy.
State the major side effects of sex hormone therapy.
State action, side effects and names of male and female hormones used as medication.

Drugs and Body Systems: Integumentary System

Identify three layers of skin, their location, structure, and other structures located within the skin.
Describe the major functions of the skin.
Identify common changes in the integumentary system associated with aging.
Describe major disorders affecting the skin.
Identify related medications, nursing care and side effects for the major skin disorders.
Identify non-drug measures to help treat skin disorders.
Identify general issues for skin and skin care, specific types of dressing and methods of administering skin medications.

Drugs and Body Systems: Anti-Infective Agents

Identify cause, control measures, signs and symptoms of infection.
Describe methods of reducing infection.
Discuss how aging contributes to increased risk for infection(s).
Identify terms describing topical anti-infective agents.
Name topical anti-infective agents and actions.
Identify terms describing systemic anti-infective agents.
Recognize some of the common drugs, nursing care and side effects in following groups: a. Pencillin’s b. Cephalosporins c. Sulfonamides d. Fluoroquinolones e. Tetracycline f. Aminoglycosides g. Macrolide, lincomycin, and clindamycin h. Vancomycin i. Metronidazole j. Antiviral k. Antifungal
Demonstrate methods of identifying action, use, side effects, adverse reactions, interactions with food or other drugs, contraindications, and special nursing care which should be considered in giving medications.
Describe what actions the medication aide should take in administering medication which may result in changes in laboratory results or which place the resident at particular risk for: a. Bleeding b. Heart rate changes c. Breathing difficulties d. Gastrointestinal upset
Name signs or symptoms of a medication sensitivity reaction.
Describe methods of preventing medications sensitivity reactions.
Name the most severe form of medication sensitivity reaction and how the medication aide should respond in the event a resident has this type of reaction.

Drugs and Body Systems: Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

Identify the major food groups from the Food Guide Pyramid.
State what general functions vitamins have in the body.
Discuss situations when vitamins may be used.
Give some examples of vitamins.
Discuss the general differences among: fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, macrominerals and microminerals.
Identify resources for adult Recommended Daily Allowances for the major vitamins and minerals.
Identify the actions and give examples of iron preparations.
State the measures to use when administering iron to minimize side effects.
Identify the action and give an example of calcium medications.
Give examples of alternatives to traditional pharmacological interventions.
Describe common herbal and food supplements and their uses.
Explain some of the adverse effects which herbal remedies can produce.

Administration of Medications: Preparing to Administer Medications

Identify ways in which drugs are supplied to the nursing home.
Describe unit dose and multiple dose packaging of drugs.
Explain proper storage of medicines in the medication room, medication cart and resident's bedroom.
Describe proper storage of controlled drugs.
Identify proper methods to store equipment and supplies related to the administration of medications.
Describe a method to verify medications orders.
Explain the responsibility of the medication aide in questioning medication orders, including what to do if the order is not clear or legible.
Discuss methods for ordering drugs from the pharmacy.
Identify the basic components of a medication order.
Transcribe orders from the ordering practitioner for medications/treatments under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
List times on the clock using "military time".
Communicate medications administered and the resident's responses to medications to the licensed nurse.
Explain how a Kardex, medication cards, and a Medication
Administration Record (MAR) are used to communicate medication orders. Demonstrate how to document administration of a medication.
Explain how controlled substances can be accounted for at the beginning of each shift and why this is done.
Identify and demonstrate specific techniques to administer medications using the "Five Rights" of medication administration including techniques for specific forms of medications.
Identify and demonstrate ways to prevent the transfer of infection.
List three ways to identify the resident.
Identify potential sources for errors.
Identify drugs, which may require special controls or record keeping, and name the controls, which are used.

Administration of Medication: Recording Medication Administration

Identify general guidelines to follow in recording medication administration.
Describe the content of a resident's clinical record.
Document accurately activities related to administration of medications and treatment.
Describe the principles of clinical documentation.
Demonstrate how to correct an error in a resident's clinical record.
Describe how to document a medication that was not administered, held, or refused.
Identify appropriate documentation procedures when medication is given at times other than when regularly scheduled.
Demonstrate the process for correcting an error.
Demonstrate the process for documenting a late entry in a clinical record.
Discuss why it is important to follow federal/state laws/regulations and facility policy when documenting in a resident's record.
Record resident's response to medication.
Report medication errors immediately to the licensed nurse supervisor.

Administration of Medications: Administering Medications of the Elderly

Describe the major changes that take place in the various body systems during aging.
State why treatment of elderly residents must be individualized according to each person's needs.
Describe the effects of aging on absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs.
Explain how medication orders are usually adjusted to take into account the pharmacokinetics of the older resident.
Explain why the presence of more diseases in old age makes drug therapy more complicated.
State what types of adverse reactions health care workers must look for in administering drugs to the aged.
Explain how elderly residents are affected by the attitudes and actions of health care workers.
Review safe medication administration practice and the principles that are specific for the elderly resident.
Explain how you can overcome the difficulties of administering medications to the elderly.
List ways in which residents can take an active part in their own medication therapy.
Identify and demonstrate methods of safe and effective drug administration by the following routes: a. Oral b. Inhaler c. Nebulizer d. Rectal e. Vaginal f. Eye g. Ear h. Skin
Demonstrate the use of standard precautions when administering medications.
Correctly use military time.
Correctly identify, use and write abbreviations for medication forms, routes, administration times and general medical abbreviations.

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