A coworker has already popped a client's 8:00 a.m. tablets into a cup and asks you to give them. What does Virginia's rule say?Answer: Whoever removes a medication from its container gives it. Source: 22VAC40-73-680, Administration of medications and related provisions (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Legal and ethical issues.
A medication aide has reason to suspect that a client is being exploited. When does the Code of Virginia say the matter is reported?Answer: Immediately. Source: Code of Virginia § 63.2-1606, Protection of aged or incapacitated adults; mandated and voluntary reporting. Outline: Legal and ethical issues.
A medication aide shall not mix, dilute or reconstitute two or more drug products. Which products are the exception?Answer: Insulin or glucagon. Source: 18VAC90-60-110, Standards of practice (Regulations Governing the Registration of Medication Aides). Outline: Legal and ethical issues.
A prescriber gives a verbal order at the facility. May a Virginia medication aide telephone that order to the pharmacy?Answer: No. That is outside the standards of practice. Source: 18VAC90-60-110, Standards of practice (Regulations Governing the Registration of Medication Aides). Outline: Legal and ethical issues.
Which injection is inside the standards of practice for a Virginia medication aide?Answer: Insulin, under the skin. Source: 18VAC90-60-110, Standards of practice (Regulations Governing the Registration of Medication Aides). Outline: Legal and ethical issues.
Which of these is on the curriculum's list of a client's rights regarding medications and treatment?Answer: Privacy while medications are administered. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Legal and ethical issues.
Show all 60 questions (54 more)
Preparing for safe administration 8
A client collapses and is not breathing normally. Which is the first response on the curriculum's list for emergencies?Answer: Call 911. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Preparing for safe administration of medications.
A client has aphasia. Why does the curriculum say not to shout?Answer: A client who cannot speak may hear perfectly well. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Preparing for safe administration of medications.
A dose is due at 3:30 p.m. What is that in international (military) time?Answer: 1530. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Preparing for safe administration of medications.
A medication aide is not sure the tablet in the card matches the record. What does the curriculum say to do if any of the rights is in doubt?Answer: Do not give it, and notify the supervisor. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Preparing for safe administration of medications.
By the curriculum, what holds infectious waste for disposal?Answer: Red, leak-proof plastic bags. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Preparing for safe administration of medications.
In the ABCs of behavior management, what is the antecedent?Answer: What happens before the behavior. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Preparing for safe administration of medications.
Where may a pulse oximeter be placed, by the curriculum?Answer: On an ear lobe, a toe or a fingertip. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Preparing for safe administration of medications.
Why are older adults at higher risk for hypothermia, by the curriculum?Answer: They are less able to regulate body temperature. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Preparing for safe administration of medications.
Basics of medication administration 13
A client asks for an over-the-counter antacid that is not on her orders. What must the facility have before it is started?Answer: A valid order from a prescriber. Source: 22VAC40-73-650, Physician's or other prescriber's order (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
A client is given the wrong tablet. Whose direction does 22VAC40-73-680 say the action taken follows?Answer: A physician, pharmacist or poison control center. Source: 22VAC40-73-680, Administration of medications and related provisions (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
A medication aide charts an oral order from a prescriber. Within how many days must the prescriber review and sign it?Answer: 14 days. Source: 22VAC40-73-650, Physician's or other prescriber's order (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
A new order arrives on Monday morning. By when must the facility verify that it was accurately transcribed to the medication administration record?Answer: Within 24 hours of receipt. Source: 22VAC40-73-640, Medication management plan and reference materials (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
Besides the drug, route, dosage, strength and how often, which item must a medication order include under 22VAC40-73-650?Answer: The diagnosis, condition or specific indications. Source: 22VAC40-73-650, Physician's or other prescriber's order (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
For an as-needed (PRN) medication, which three things does the medication administration record show?Answer: The symptoms, the exact dosage and the effectiveness. Source: 22VAC40-73-680, Administration of medications and related provisions (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
How current must the drug reference kept for staff who administer medications be?Answer: No more than two years old. Source: 22VAC40-73-640, Medication management plan and reference materials (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
In Virginia, which schedule holds prescription medications with the least abuse potential?Answer: Schedule VI. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
Two medications together produce an effect that is new, different and unwanted. What does the curriculum call this?Answer: A medication interaction. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
What does an enteric coating do to a tablet, by the curriculum's glossary?Answer: Lets it dissolve in the small intestine. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022), Glossary. Outline: The basics of medication administration.
When is a dose documented on the medication administration record, under 22VAC40-73-680?Answer: At the time the medication is administered. Source: 22VAC40-73-680, Administration of medications and related provisions (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
Which name of a medication is indicated by the ® symbol?Answer: The trade name. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: The basics of medication administration.
Why are lower strengths or smaller doses often given to elderly clients, by the curriculum's glossary?Answer: They metabolize medication more slowly. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022), Glossary. Outline: The basics of medication administration.
Instillations and treatments 14
A bisacodyl suppository has gone soft in a warm room. What does MedlinePlus say to do before unwrapping it?Answer: Cool it in water or the refrigerator. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Bisacodyl Rectal. Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
A client swallows more easily when her tablets are in pudding. What does the curriculum require before a medication is mixed with food?Answer: A written order. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
A client with an EpiPen order has a severe allergic reaction. Where is epinephrine injected, by MedlinePlus?Answer: The middle of the outer thigh. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Epinephrine Injection. Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
A new bottle of eye drops is opened today. What does the curriculum say to do to a multi-use container?Answer: Date and initial it when opened. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
A prescriber orders a dose from the stat-drug box. May a registered medication aide remove it or give it?Answer: No. A nurse, pharmacist or prescriber does both. Source: 22VAC40-73-680, Administration of medications and related provisions (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
After a timolol eye drop goes in, how long does MedlinePlus say to keep the eye closed?Answer: 2 to 3 minutes. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Timolol Ophthalmic. Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
The facility's standard dosing time is 9:00 a.m. and the drug is not ordered for a specific time. What is the window for giving the dose?Answer: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Source: 22VAC40-73-680, Administration of medications and related provisions (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
How does the client lie for ofloxacin ear drops, and for how long afterward, by MedlinePlus?Answer: Affected ear facing up, 5 minutes. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Ofloxacin Otic. Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
How many times does the curriculum say to read the medication label?Answer: 3 times. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
Two clients are each ordered fluticasone nasal spray. May they use one bottle, by MedlinePlus?Answer: No. One bottle, one person. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Fluticasone Nasal Spray. Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
Two puffs of an albuterol inhaler are ordered. How long does MedlinePlus say to wait between the puffs?Answer: 1 minute. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Albuterol Oral Inhalation. Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
What does MedlinePlus say to do with a reusable applicator after miconazole vaginal cream is inserted?Answer: Take it apart and wash it in warm, soapy water. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Miconazole Vaginal. Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
Which of these must a detailed PRN order include before a medication aide may give the dose?Answer: What to do if symptoms persist. Source: 22VAC40-73-680, Administration of medications and related provisions (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
Which skin does MedlinePlus say is right for a nitroglycerin patch?Answer: Clean, dry, hairless skin on the upper body. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Nitroglycerin Transdermal Patch. Outline: Administration of prepared instillations and treatments.
Storage and disposal 5
A client's tablets would fit better in a smaller bottle. Who may transfer medication from one container to another, by the curriculum?Answer: Only a pharmacist. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Storage and disposal of medication.
How does 22VAC40-73-660 say Schedule II drugs are stored?Answer: In a separate locked compartment. Source: 22VAC40-73-660, Storage of medications (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Storage and disposal of medication.
The only refrigerator on a unit is the one used for food. How are refrigerated medications kept in it?Answer: Together in a locked container. Source: 22VAC40-73-660, Storage of medications (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Storage and disposal of medication.
When must the facility's plan ensure an accurate count of all controlled substances?Answer: Whenever the assigned medication staff changes. Source: 22VAC40-73-640, Medication management plan and reference materials (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Storage and disposal of medication.
Where may the medication storage area not be located?Answer: In the kitchen or bathroom. Source: 22VAC40-73-660, Storage of medications (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Storage and disposal of medication.
Special issues 8
A client accepts her tablet, holds it in her cheek and spits it out after the aide leaves. Which type of refusal is this?Answer: Passive refusal. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022), Glossary. Outline: Special issues in medication administration.
A client on an antipsychotic develops repeated movements of the face that she cannot control. Which term in the curriculum's glossary names this side effect?Answer: Tardive dyskinesia. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022), Glossary. Outline: Special issues in medication administration.
A prescriber hands the facility sample tablets for a client. How are sample medications kept until given?Answer: In the original packaging, labeled. Source: 22VAC40-73-680, Administration of medications and related provisions (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Special issues in medication administration.
A sedating drug is given only so that staff have a quieter evening, not to treat a symptom. What is that drug under 22VAC40-73-10?Answer: A chemical restraint. Source: 22VAC40-73-10, Definitions (Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities). Outline: Special issues in medication administration.
Antipsychotic agents, one of the four classes of psychotropic medications in the curriculum, are also called what?Answer: Neuroleptics. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Special issues in medication administration.
What is the Beers Criteria, by the curriculum?Answer: A list of medications inappropriate for the elderly. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Special issues in medication administration.
Which note follows the curriculum's rule for describing a client's behavior to the healthcare team?Answer: "Mr. L paced the hall and struck his door three times.". Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Special issues in medication administration.
Which of these is on the curriculum's list of medications most frequently monitored by blood tests?Answer: Blood thinners. Source: Virginia Board of Nursing, Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides (revised 2022). Outline: Special issues in medication administration.
Insulin administration 6
After a glucagon injection for severe low blood sugar, why does MedlinePlus say to turn the person onto their side?Answer: To stop choking on vomit. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Glucagon Injection. Outline: Insulin administration.
Below which blood sugar level does MedlinePlus call blood sugar low?Answer: 70 mg/dL. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Low blood sugar. Outline: Insulin administration.
How far from the navel does MedlinePlus say to keep an insulin injection?Answer: 2 inches. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Giving an insulin injection. Outline: Insulin administration.
What happens to insulin in type 1 diabetes, by MedlinePlus?Answer: Little or no insulin is made by the body. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Diabetes. Outline: Insulin administration.
Which pair of symptoms does MedlinePlus list for a high blood sugar level?Answer: Excess thirst and frequent urination. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Diabetes. Outline: Insulin administration.
Which set of signs is on MedlinePlus's list for low blood sugar?Answer: Shaking, sweating and a pounding heartbeat. Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Low blood sugar. Outline: Insulin administration.
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the Examination Content Outline in the Medication Aides Candidate Information Bulletin that PSI Services publishes for the Virginia Board of Nursing (last revised 9/28/2026; linked from the Board's Medication Aide page, https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/ApplyforLicense/MedicationAide/, and read at https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/1010 on 2026-10-09). The outline's seven topics and item counts are: legal and ethical issues 7; preparing for safe administration of medications 11; the basics of medication administration 18; administration of prepared instillations and treatments 18; storage and disposal of medication 6; special issues in medication administration 11; insulin administration 9 (80 in all; the bulletin gives 60 questions from 11/1/2026 and no new counts). The bank holds 6 / 8 / 13 / 14 / 5 / 8 / 6, the same proportions in 60 questions. Every fact was read on 2026-10-09 in the source the question names: the Board's Medication Aide Curriculum for Registered Medication Aides, revised 2022 (24 questions, 4 of them from its glossary); 22VAC40-73-10, 640, 650, 660 and 680 (18) and 18VAC90-60-110 (3) on law.lis.virginia.gov; Code of Virginia § 63.2-1606 (1); and MedlinePlus pages of the National Library of Medicine (14). Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
This VA medication aide practice test is free, with no account. It is unofficial and not affiliated with the Virginia Board of Nursing or PSI Services, which gives the registered medication aide exam.
Read the full guide
What the Virginia exam covers
The content outline has seven parts: legal and ethical issues (7 of 80 questions), preparing for safe administration (11), the basics of medication administration (18), instillations and treatments (18), storage and disposal (6), special issues (11) and insulin administration (9). This bank keeps those proportions in 60 questions.
Where the answers come from
The Board's 2022 curriculum answers 24 questions. Virginia's regulations, 22VAC40-73 and 18VAC90-60, answer 21, the Code of Virginia 1, and MedlinePlus the 14 on eye, ear, nasal and other routes and on diabetes.
Where Virginia differs
A registered medication aide works in assisted living and may not take drugs from the stat-drug box, send a verbal order to a pharmacy or use a feeding tube. The only injections are insulin, glucagon and auto-injectable epinephrine.
Dosing window: one hour before to one hour after the facility's schedule, unless the drug is ordered for a specific time.
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the Virginia medication aide exam?
80 questions through October 31, 2026 and 60 from November 1, 2026, each in 2 hours, by the PSI candidate bulletin revised September 28, 2026. Up to ten unscored trial questions may be added.
What is the passing score for the Virginia medication aide exam?
71 percent: 57 correct of 80, or 43 correct of 60 from November 1, 2026. The score shows on screen at the end and a report is emailed.
Is this free VA medication aide practice test the real exam?
No. The state exam is closed. These are our own questions, written from the public content outline, the Board's curriculum and the regulations. None is taken or reworded from the exam.
How many times can you take the medication aide exam in Virginia?
Three attempts within one year of the provisional approval letter. After a third failure, the regulation requires another approved training program before reapplying.
What training do you need before the Virginia medication aide test?
A Board-approved program of at least 68 hours: 40 of classroom instruction, 20 of supervised skills practice and an 8-hour insulin module, after direct care or nurse aide training.