Arizona Certified Caregiver Practice Exam 2025 - Free Certified Caregiver Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct action is to administer the meperidine to Ms. Larsen and document it properly on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) as well as the controlled substance log. This action aligns with the standard protocols for medication administration, particularly with controlled substances, ensuring that the patient receives her prescribed medication on schedule.

Administering the medication at the scheduled time is important because opioids like meperidine are often prescribed for pain management and are typically taken on a regular schedule to maintain consistent therapeutic levels in the patient's system. Failure to administer the medication as scheduled could lead to inadequate pain control and adversely affect the patient’s comfort and recovery.

In addition, the documentation process is vital for tracking the administration of controlled substances, preventing errors, and ensuring accountability in medication management. Proper documentation serves as a legal record of what was administered and helps maintain safety standards in patient care.

While options that involve withholding or merely documenting without administration do not fulfill the requirement of providing the patient with their scheduled medication, asking the patient whether she wants the medication may introduce unnecessary ambiguity and delay in care. It is essential to follow the prescriber’s orders and the established medication administration schedule unless there are specific contraindications or concerns raised by the patient or health care team.