Pharmacology & Drug Administration Flashcards

What is the purpose of checking a patient's identification before administering medication?

Answer: To verify you have the right patient and prevent medication errors

Verifying patient identity (using name and date of birth or ID band) is a critical step in the Right Patient component of safe medication administration.

A healthcare aide is assisting with medication administration and notices the medication has expired. What should be done?

Answer: Do not administer it and notify the nurse to obtain a valid supply

Expired medications may be ineffective or harmful and must never be administered; the nurse should be notified to obtain a valid replacement.

Which route of administration has the fastest onset of drug action?

Answer: Intravenous injection

Intravenous (IV) administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, producing the fastest onset of action.

A patient complains of stomach upset after taking an oral medication. The healthcare aide should:

Answer: Document the complaint and report it to the nurse

Any complaint related to a medication must be documented and reported to the supervising nurse so the care team can evaluate and respond appropriately.

What does 'drug tolerance' mean?

Answer: The patient requires higher doses over time to achieve the same effect

Drug tolerance develops when the body adapts to a medication, requiring progressively higher doses to achieve the original therapeutic effect.

Which action is an example of a medication error?

Answer: Giving the right medication at the wrong scheduled time

Administering medication at an incorrect time is a medication error that could affect therapeutic outcomes and patient safety.

A controlled substance (e.g., an opioid) requires which special handling compared to regular medications?

Answer: It requires a count and double-signature by two authorized staff members

Controlled substances must be counted, tracked, and co-signed by two authorized staff at every shift and administration to prevent diversion.