CCHP Pharmacy and Medication Management

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a formulary in a correctional healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

An approved list of medications available within the facility to guide prescribing and control costs

Answer

A list of all inmates currently receiving medications

Answer

A federal mandate requiring specific brand-name drugs

Answer

A record of all medication errors reported in the facility

Question 2

What does 'directly observed therapy' (DOT) mean in the context of correctional medication administration?

Accepted Answer

Health staff physically watch the patient swallow the medication and check for cheeking

Answer

A pharmacist reviews prescriptions remotely

Answer

Inmates self-administer medications in their cells without oversight

Answer

A nurse documents medication administration without witnessing it

Question 3

Which regulatory body governs the prescribing, dispensing, and storage of controlled substances in correctional facilities?

Accepted Answer

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Answer

NCCHC

Answer

Joint Commission

Answer

Centers for Disease Control

Question 4

What is the MOST appropriate action when a nurse discovers a discrepancy in the controlled substance count during a shift change?

Accepted Answer

Document and immediately report the discrepancy to the supervisor and investigate per facility protocol

Answer

Assume a documentation error and move on

Answer

Adjust the count to match the record without reporting

Answer

Wait until the next scheduled audit to address it

Question 5

Which medication administration route requires the MOST caution regarding inmate diversion in a correctional setting?

Accepted Answer

Sublingual or crushed oral tablets

Answer

Topical creams

Answer

Injectable medications given by staff

Answer

Transdermal patches checked by staff

Question 6

Under NCCHC standards, how often should medication administration records (MARs) be reviewed for accuracy in a correctional facility?

Accepted Answer

Regularly, as part of ongoing quality improvement and nursing supervision

Answer

Only at annual audits

Answer

Only when an error is reported

Answer

Once per fiscal year during budget reviews