Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Practice Test

If a resident can communicate the need for PRN medication, can staff assist with self-administration?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if authorized

4. Only with a physician's approval

The correct answer is: True

When a resident is capable of effectively communicating their need for a PRN (as needed) medication, it indicates that they have the cognitive and communicative ability to understand their health status and the function of the medication. This capacity allows staff to assist the resident with the self-administration process, provided that the facility's policies and state regulations permit staff to facilitate this process. Empowering residents to communicate their needs fosters their autonomy and encourages positive engagement in their own care. By supporting residents in self-administration when they can articulate their needs, staff are adhering to best practices in resident-centered care. It's important that these actions align with established protocols and guidelines regarding medication administration in the facility, but the fundamental principle here is that support in self-administration is appropriate when the resident can clearly express their needs.