Free PSW Physical Care Test 3

Question 1

All of the following are required sources to confirm the patient's identity before administering medication EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Patient's room/bed number

Answer

While a patient's room/bed number might be used for initial location, it is NOT a reliable source for confirming patient identity for medication administration. Room numbers can change, or patients can be mistakenly placed in the wrong room. Essential identifiers include the patient's identification bracelet, asking the patient to state their name and date of birth, and cross-referencing with the patient's chart or medication administration record (MAR).

Question 2

What is NOT an appropriate action when a patient, who is legally responsible for their care, refuses medication?

Accepted Answer

Force the patient to take it anyway.

Answer

Forcing a legally responsible patient to take medication against their will is a violation of their rights and constitutes assault and battery. Patients have the right to refuse treatment, even if it is deemed beneficial. The appropriate actions include educating the patient on the consequences of refusal, notifying the physician, and documenting the refusal and education provided.

Question 3

What is the minimum number of times that you check the medication label before administering the medication?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

The "three checks" rule is a fundamental safety practice in medication administration to prevent errors. The medication label should be checked against the medication administration record (MAR) at least three times: when retrieving the medication, when preparing the medication, and immediately before administering it to the patient. This systematic approach significantly reduces the risk of administering the wrong drug, dose, or route.

Question 4

You must administer the medication within _____ of the scheduled time.

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

Medications should generally be administered within a specific timeframe around the scheduled time to maintain therapeutic drug levels and ensure effectiveness. The standard guideline in many healthcare settings is to administer medications within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time. This "30-minute rule" helps ensure timely and consistent dosing while allowing for some flexibility in nursing workflow.

Question 5

How many times do you check a medication calculation?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

Medication calculations, especially for high-alert medications or pediatric doses, require extreme precision to prevent serious errors. It is a critical safety practice to have medication calculations checked independently by at least two, and ideally three, qualified individuals (e.g., two nurses or a nurse and a pharmacist). This triple-check system significantly reduces the chance of a calculation error leading to an incorrect dose.

PSW - Personal Support Worker Practice Test

PSW - Personal Support Worker Practice Test

Free PSW Physical Care Test 3