ISMP MCQ 3

Question 1

ISMP identifies 'trailing zeros' in medication orders as dangerous. Which of the following correctly illustrates this error?

Accepted Answer

Writing '1.0 mg' when 1 mg is intended, which could be misread as 10 mg

Answer

A trailing zero (e.g., '1.0 mg') can be misread as '10 mg' if the decimal point is missed, leading to a tenfold overdose.

Question 2

Which of the following abbreviations does ISMP include on its 'Do Not Use' list because it is frequently misinterpreted?

Accepted Answer

QD

Answer

ISMP lists 'QD' (once daily) as dangerous because it is frequently misread as 'QID' (four times daily), causing fourfold overdoses.

Question 3

A nurse is preparing a heparin infusion and must select between two vials: one labeled '1,000 units/mL' and another labeled '10,000 units/mL.' Which ISMP strategy best prevents selecting the wrong concentration?

Accepted Answer

Limit the number of heparin concentrations available and use physical or electronic separation

Answer

ISMP recommends limiting available concentrations and using physical separation or automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) differentiation to prevent wrong-concentration selection.

Question 4

According to ISMP, which strategy is MOST effective for preventing wrong-patient medication errors in hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Using at least two patient identifiers before administering any medication

Answer

ISMP and The Joint Commission require at least two independent patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) before administering medications.

Question 5

ISMP recommends that concentrated electrolytes such as potassium chloride (KCl) for injection should be:

Accepted Answer

Removed from patient care units and dispensed only from the pharmacy as premixed solutions

Answer

ISMP's landmark recommendation was to remove concentrated KCl from patient care units after numerous fatal inadvertent IV push administrations.

ISMP - Institute for Safe Medication Practices Practice Test

ISMP - Institute for Safe Medication Practices Practice Test

ISMP MCQ 3