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

Anti-free-flow administration sets automatically close the tubing when removed from the pump, preventing uncontrolled gravity-driven infusion of medications.

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

Enteral-to-IV misconnections can cause fatal embolism or sepsis when enteral formula or medications are injected intravenously; ISMP recommends ENFit connectors to prevent this.

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

ISMP recommends using the patient's actual current body weight, measured and documented in kilograms at the time of admission, to prevent dosing errors in pediatric patients.

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

The abbreviation 'U' for units has been misread as '0', '4', or '6', leading to 10-fold or other dosing errors; ISMP recommends writing out 'units' in full.

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

Override retrieval bypasses pharmacist review, so ISMP recommends restricting it to genuine emergencies and mandating retrospective pharmacy review to identify potential errors.

ISMP - Institute for Safe Medication Practices Practice Test

ISMP - Institute for Safe Medication Practices Practice Test

ISMP Medication Administration Safety 2