CMT Controlled Substances Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which schedule of controlled substances is characterized by a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence?
- Schedule I
- Schedule II
- Schedule III (Correct answer)
- Schedule V
Correct answer: Schedule III
Schedule III drugs have less abuse potential than Schedule I or II and include substances with accepted medical uses and moderate to low physical or psychological dependence.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure for counting controlled substances at a shift change?
- One staff member counts alone and signs the log
- Two authorized staff count together and both sign the count sheet (Correct answer)
- Count only when a discrepancy is suspected
- A single nurse counts every 24 hours
Correct answer: Two authorized staff count together and both sign the count sheet
A witnessed count by two authorized staff members at each shift change ensures accountability and detects any discrepancies promptly.
Question 3: Morphine sulfate is classified under which schedule of controlled substances?
- Schedule III
- Schedule IV
- Schedule II (Correct answer)
- Schedule V
Correct answer: Schedule II
Morphine is a Schedule II opioid analgesic due to its high potential for abuse and dependence, requiring strict prescribing controls.
Question 4: Which of the following actions constitutes diversion of a controlled substance?
- Documenting the medication given in the MAR
- Requesting a witness before wasting unused medication
- Taking a patient's unused controlled substance for personal use (Correct answer)
- Completing the shift-change count with a co-worker
Correct answer: Taking a patient's unused controlled substance for personal use
Diversion occurs when a controlled substance is redirected from its intended patient use for unauthorized personal use or distribution, which is both illegal and a serious breach of professional conduct.
Question 5: Cough preparations containing less than 200 mg of codeine per 100 mL are classified as which schedule?
- Schedule II
- Schedule III
- Schedule IV
- Schedule V (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Schedule V
Schedule V includes preparations with small amounts of controlled substances, such as cough syrups with limited codeine concentrations, which have the lowest abuse potential.
Question 6: What document is required when ordering Schedule II controlled substances from a pharmacy?
- A verbal phone order documented by a nurse
- DEA Form 222 or an approved electronic equivalent (Correct answer)
- A standard handwritten prescription pad order
- A facility purchase order only
Correct answer: DEA Form 222 or an approved electronic equivalent
DEA Form 222 (or its electronic equivalent, the CSOS system) is legally required for the transfer of Schedule II controlled substances between registrants.
Question 7: When a patient refuses a scheduled controlled substance, the medication technician should:
- Administer it without consent to maintain the schedule
- Save the dose in the medication cart for later
- Document the refusal in the MAR and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Waste the medication without obtaining a witness
Correct answer: Document the refusal in the MAR and notify the nurse
Patient refusal must be documented accurately in the MAR and the nurse must be notified so clinical decisions can be made, while the medication must be wasted with a witness.
CMT Controlled Substances Management 2
Which schedule of controlled substances is characterized by a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence?