CPNRE - Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Safe Medication Administration Questions and Answers

Question 1

A practical nurse is preparing to administer a high-alert medication, such as insulin.
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Canada, which of the following actions is a critical safety step?

Accepted Answer

Performing an independent double-check with another regulated healthcare professional.

Answer

Administering the medication within a 60-minute window of the scheduled time.

Answer

Asking the client to state their full name and date of birth.

Answer

Documenting the administration immediately after preparing the medication.

Question 2

A client is prescribed a new antihypertensive medication. After administering the first dose, the practical nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Adverse effects

Answer

Therapeutic effect

Answer

Drug-food interactions

Answer

The client's understanding of the medication schedule

Question 3

A practical nurse receives a telephone order from a physician for a client. Which of the following actions by the nurse best ensures accuracy and client safety?

Accepted Answer

Repeating the order back to the physician for verification before ending the call.

Answer

Writing the order down and administering it immediately to ensure timely care.

Answer

Asking a colleague to listen to the voicemail to confirm the order.

Answer

Waiting for the physician to enter the order into the electronic system later.

Question 4

When a practical nurse is performing the three checks of medication administration, which of the following is the correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Check the medication label against the MAR when removing it from the dispenser, when preparing it, and at the bedside before administering it.

Answer

Check the medication label against the MAR when selecting it, before pouring it, and after administering it.

Answer

Check the medication label against the MAR when selecting it, at the bedside before opening, and when documenting.

Answer

Check the medication label against the MAR in the medication room, once in the hallway, and again at the bedside.

Question 5

A client refuses to take their prescribed morning dose of an oral medication, stating, "I don't want to take that pill today." What is the practical nurse's most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Exploring the client's reason for the refusal.

Answer

Documenting the refusal and discarding the medication.

Answer

Informing the client that the medication is essential for their health.

Answer

Notifying the charge nurse and the prescriber immediately.

Question 6

A practical nurse notes that a physician's handwritten order in a client's chart is illegible. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Accepted Answer

Contact the prescribing physician directly to clarify the order.

Answer

Ask another experienced nurse on the unit to interpret the order.

Answer

Contact the pharmacy to see how they have interpreted similar orders.

Answer

Administer the medication based on the nurse's best judgment of the order.

A practical nurse is preparing to administer a high-alert medication, such as insulin.According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Canada, which of the following actions is a critical safety step?

A practical nurse is preparing to administer a high-alert medication, such as insulin.
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Canada, which of the following actions is a critical safety step?