Free NCCT Pharmacology and Medication Administration Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A medication administered under the tongue is delivered via which route?
- Buccal
- Sublingual (Correct answer)
- Intradermal
- Transdermal
Correct answer: Sublingual
The sublingual route involves placing medication under the tongue to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This method bypasses the digestive system, allowing for rapid absorption. The buccal route involves placing medication between the cheek and gum.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT one of the 'Seven Rights' of medication administration?
- Right Dose
- Right Route
- Right Provider (Correct answer)
- Right Patient
Correct answer: Right Provider
The 'Seven Rights' are: Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Right Documentation, and Right Reason. Right Provider is not one of the core rights, although verifying the order with the prescribing provider is a crucial safety check.
Question 3: The medical abbreviation 'q.i.d.' stands for:
- Twice a day
- Three times a day
- Every day
- Four times a day (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Four times a day
The Latin abbreviation 'q.i.d.' (quater in die) means four times a day. It is important to distinguish this from 'b.i.d.' (twice a day), 't.i.d.' (three times a day), and 'q.d.' (every day).
Question 4: What is the appropriate needle gauge and angle for an intramuscular (IM) injection in an average adult's deltoid muscle?
- 27-gauge, 45-degree angle
- 25-gauge, 90-degree angle (Correct answer)
- 21-gauge, 15-degree angle
- 30-gauge, 90-degree angle
Correct answer: 25-gauge, 90-degree angle
For an average adult deltoid IM injection, a 22-25 gauge needle is typically used. The injection must be administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure the medication reaches the muscle tissue.
Question 5: Which DEA schedule of controlled substances has a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, but has a currently accepted medical use?
- Schedule I
- Schedule V
- Schedule III
- Schedule II (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Schedule II
Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse but are used medically (e.g., oxycodone, fentanyl, amphetamine). Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use. Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low potential for dependence.
Question 6: A provider orders 500 mg of a medication. The medication is available as 250 mg per 5 mL. How many mL should be administered?
- 5 mL
- 10 mL (Correct answer)
- 2.5 mL
- 15 mL
Correct answer: 10 mL
To solve this, use the formula: (Dose Ordered / Dose on Hand) x Quantity = Amount to Administer. In this case, (500 mg / 250 mg) x 5 mL = 2 x 5 mL = 10 mL. The patient should receive 10 mL.
Question 7: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to a drug that requires immediate medical attention is known as:
- A side effect
- An idiosyncratic reaction
- Anaphylaxis (Correct answer)
- A contraindication
Correct answer: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, systemic allergic reaction that can be fatal. It is characterized by symptoms like hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. A side effect is a predictable, often mild, secondary effect of a drug, while an idiosyncratic reaction is an uncommon and unpredictable response.
A medication administered under the tongue is delivered via which route?