ISMP Medication Administration Safety 2

Question 1

ISMP identifies 'free-flow' of IV fluids as a significant risk. Which device feature is the most important safeguard against free-flow errors?

Accepted Answer

Anti-free-flow (AFF) IV administration sets

Answer

Alarm-only infusion pumps

Answer

Clear IV tubing for visual inspection

Answer

Roller clamps on all IV lines

Question 2

According to ISMP guidelines, what is the greatest risk associated with misconnection of enteral feeding tubing to an IV access site?

Accepted Answer

Introduction of enteral formula directly into the bloodstream

Answer

Skin irritation at the IV site

Answer

Blockage of the enteral feeding tube

Answer

Inaccurate fluid intake measurement

Question 3

ISMP recommends weight-based dosing for pediatric patients be calculated using which weight measurement?

Accepted Answer

Actual current body weight measured at admission

Answer

Estimated weight from age-based charts

Answer

Ideal body weight from growth charts

Answer

Weight reported by parents upon arrival

Question 4

Which abbreviation has ISMP placed on its 'Do Not Use' list because it has been misinterpreted as a number?

Accepted Answer

U (units)

Answer

mg (milligrams)

Answer

tab (tablet)

Answer

cap (capsule)

Question 5

ISMP recommends that medications removed from automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) using the 'override' function should be:

Accepted Answer

Limited to true emergencies and reviewed retrospectively by pharmacy

Answer

Used routinely to improve workflow efficiency

Answer

Permitted for any medication listed in the cabinet

Answer

Documented only if an error occurs

Question 6

When preparing medications outside of pharmacy (i.e., at the bedside or in a procedure area), ISMP recommends that labels be applied:

Accepted Answer

Immediately after preparation, before the syringe is set down

Answer

Only if the medication will be stored for later use

Answer

After the medication is administered and documented

Answer

Only for high-alert medications

Question 7

ISMP recommends that which of the following verbal/telephone orders be read back to the prescriber before administration?

Accepted Answer

All verbal and telephone medication orders

Answer

Only orders for controlled substances

Answer

Orders given during emergencies only

Answer

Orders for high-alert medications only