MACE Practice Questions (2026) — Free Sample Questions with Answers

Answer: A

Check a drug reference or ask the nurse or pharmacist: Correct. Drug references, package inserts, the nurse and the pharmacist are proper sources to clarify how a medication is given.

Ask another medication aide who has given it before: A coworker's memory is not an authoritative source; check a reliable reference or ask a licensed professional.

Give it with breakfast, since most pills are safer with food: Some drugs must be taken on an empty stomach; guessing can reduce absorption or cause harm.

Hold the dose until the resident's physician next visits: Holding a dose without direction delays therapy; the question can be answered right away by the nurse or pharmacist.

When in doubt, stop and check: drug reference or package insert, then the licensed nurse or pharmacist. Never guess.

Answer: B

Apply lotion and recheck the skin tomorrow: A new rash after a new drug may be an allergic reaction; it needs prompt nurse assessment, not delay.

Report the rash to the nurse right away: Correct. A rash after a new medication may be an allergic reaction; report it to the nurse at once, and call for emergency help if breathing problems develop.

Give the next dose as scheduled: Continuing without the nurse's direction could make an allergic reaction worse.

Tell the resident a rash is a normal effect: Rash is not an expected effect to dismiss; reassurance without reporting is unsafe.

New rash, hives or itching after a new drug = possible allergy: report immediately. Trouble breathing or facial swelling = emergency.

Answer: C

Give the digoxin, then recheck the pulse in an hour: The written parameter says to hold below 60; giving the dose could slow the heart further.

Recount for 15 seconds and give it if that count times 4 is 60: A 15-second count is less accurate; the order requires a full-minute apical count, and 54 is below the limit.

Hold the dose, document why, and notify the nurse: Correct. Following the written hold parameter, the aide withholds digoxin, documents the pulse and reason, and reports to the nurse.

Give half the dose because the pulse is only a little low: Medication aides cannot change doses; only the prescriber can alter an order.

Digoxin: full-minute apical pulse before each dose; follow hold parameters, document, and report. Toxicity signs include nausea, poor appetite, visual changes and slow pulse.

Answer: D

Crush the tablet and mix it with pudding: Crushing an extended-release tablet can release the whole day's dose at once and cause toxic effects.

Break the tablet into four pieces so it is easier to swallow: Breaking up ER products also destroys the controlled release unless the label says they may be split.

Skip the dose and record that the resident could not swallow it: Omitting a dose without telling the nurse is unsafe; the swallowing problem must be reported so the order can be changed.

Report the problem to the nurse to get another form or order: Correct. ER, SR, XL and enteric-coated drugs are not crushed; the nurse contacts the prescriber or pharmacist for a suitable form.

Do not crush long-acting (ER, SR, XL, CR) or enteric-coated drugs. Report swallowing problems so the order or form can be changed.

Answer: C

5 mL: 5 mL equals 1 teaspoon, not 1 tablespoon.

10 mL: 10 mL equals 2 teaspoons.

15 mL: Correct. 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 15 mL.

30 mL: 30 mL equals 1 fluid ounce, or 2 tablespoons.

1 tsp = 5 mL; 1 tbsp = 15 mL; 1 fl oz = 30 mL. Always measure in mL with a calibrated device.

Answer: B

1.5 mL: This is the ratio 375 ÷ 250 without multiplying by the 5 mL volume.

7.5 mL: Correct. (375 mg ÷ 250 mg) × 5 mL = 1.5 × 5 = 7.5 mL.

3.3 mL: This inverts the ratio (250 ÷ 375 × 5), giving too little drug.

18.75 mL: This multiplies 375 by 5 and divides by 100, a setup that has no basis in the label strength.

Liquids: (dose ordered ÷ dose on hand) × volume on hand. Measure with an oral syringe or calibrated cup at eye level.