ISMP MCQ 2

Question 1

Which ISMP designation indicates a drug that bears a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error?

Accepted Answer

High-alert medication

Answer

ISMP defines high-alert medications as drugs that bear a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.

Question 2

A pharmacist receives an order for 'MTX 10 mg weekly.' What is the primary safety concern ISMP identifies with this order?

Accepted Answer

Methotrexate ordered daily instead of weekly can cause fatal toxicity

Answer

ISMP warns that methotrexate is frequently dispensed or administered daily instead of weekly, resulting in fatal overdoses.

Question 3

According to ISMP, which practice best reduces errors with look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) drug names on medication labels?

Accepted Answer

Using tall man lettering to differentiate similar drug names

Answer

ISMP recommends tall man lettering (e.g., DOBUTamine vs. DOPamine) to visually differentiate look-alike drug names.

Question 4

ISMP's guidelines on verbal orders recommend which of the following to reduce miscommunication?

Accepted Answer

Read back and verify the complete order after receiving it verbally

Answer

ISMP recommends a read-back process where the receiver repeats the verbal order to the prescriber for verification before acting on it.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of an independent double-check as recommended by ISMP?

Accepted Answer

One nurse checking a drug and a second nurse independently checking the same drug without knowledge of the first check

Answer

An independent double-check requires the second checker to perform the check without knowing the first checker's findings to avoid confirmation bias.

ISMP - Institute for Safe Medication Practices Practice Test