Which role is primarily responsible for medication administration and monitoring in many care settings?

• A. Pharmacist
• B. Registered Nurse
• C. CMT
• D. Physician Assistant

Answer: (C)

The topic here is who is equipped and authorized to give medications and watch how they affect residents in day-to-day care. Certified Medication Technicians are trained specifically to pass medications and monitor residents for side effects or adverse reactions, documenting each dose and communicating any concerns to the supervising nurse or physician. This role is common in many care settings, especially long-term care and assisted living, where med passes happen regularly and need to be done accurately and consistently under supervision.

Pharmacists focus on selecting, dispensing, and reviewing medications at the system level and providing drug information, not usually performing bedside administration. Registered nurses have broad responsibilities and can administer medications, but in many facilities, tasks like routine med passes and basic monitoring are delegated to CMTs to support staffing while remaining under licensed supervision. Physician assistants provide medical oversight and prescribing, rather than handling routine administration tasks.