The nurse you are to work with for the upcoming shift informs you, the Medication Aide, that she will be late today and asks you begin to administer medications. Which of the following statements is correct?

The statement that no medications can be administered without supervision is correct because safety and protocol in medication administration are paramount in healthcare settings. It is critical for medication aides to work under the supervision of licensed nurses to ensure that all medications are administered correctly and to monitor for any adverse reactions or complications. This ensures that patient safety is the priority and that the responsibilities of medication administration are fulfilled in accordance with legal and professional standards.

In addition, various aspects of patient care, including assessment of the patient's condition and potential side effects of medications, require a licensed nurse's expertise. Without this supervision, there is a risk that important details may be overlooked, which could compromise patient safety and care quality. Therefore, the correct practice is to wait for the nurse to be present to administer any medications, as they are trained to oversee these procedures appropriately.

The other statements do not reflect the necessary safety protocols and would suggest a breakdown in the proper chain of responsibility in medication administration, potentially putting residents at risk.