NCNZ Medication Management (NZ Regulations)

Question 1

Under the Medicines Act 1981, which schedule classification applies to prescription medicines in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Prescription Medicine (formerly Rx)

Answer

The Medicines Act 1981 classifies medicines as: Prescription Medicines (require a prescription from an authorised prescriber), Restricted Medicines (pharmacist sale), Pharmacy-only, and General Sale. Schedule 8 under the Misuse of Drugs Act covers controlled drugs.

Question 2

What are the 'Five Rights' of medication administration?

Accepted Answer

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time

Answer

The Five Rights (Rights of Medication Administration) are: right patient (identify using two identifiers), right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. Some frameworks add: right reason, right documentation, right response.

Question 3

A nurse is about to administer an IV medication when they notice the patient's wristband name does not match the medication chart. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Stop and clarify the identity discrepancy before administering — do not proceed until verified

Answer

Patient identification must be verified using two independent identifiers (name, date of birth, NHI number) before any medication is given. A wristband discrepancy must be resolved before proceeding — wrong-patient administration is a serious adverse event.

Question 4

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, which of the following is a legal requirement when administering a Class B controlled drug (e.g., morphine) in a hospital?

Accepted Answer

Two nurses must verify the drug, dose, and patient; the controlled drug register must be signed by both

Answer

Controlled drugs require two-nurse checking (two registered health practitioners in NZ hospitals) and documentation in the controlled drugs register for each administration, including counting the remaining stock. This applies to Schedule 2 (Class B) drugs like morphine and fentanyl.

Question 5

A patient is prescribed gentamicin IV. Which monitoring parameter is most critical for detecting early toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Renal function (serum creatinine, eGFR) and drug levels (trough/peak)

Answer

Gentamicin is nephrotoxic and ototoxic. Renal function (creatinine, eGFR) must be monitored closely, and drug levels (trough concentration in NZ practice) are measured to ensure levels are within the therapeutic window and avoid toxicity.

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Medication Management (NZ Regulations)