NCNZ Pharmacology and Medication Safety 2

Question 1

What is Medsafe and what role does it play in NZ medication management?

Accepted Answer

The NZ Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority that approves medicines for use and monitors safety

Answer

A brand of medication storage cabinet

Answer

A nurses' union in New Zealand

Answer

A pharmacy chain in New Zealand

Question 2

What is the NZ nurse's responsibility regarding medication storage?

Accepted Answer

Ensure medications are stored according to manufacturer specifications, controlled drugs are locked, and expired medications are removed

Answer

Any drawer or cupboard is acceptable for medication storage

Answer

Medication storage is solely the pharmacy's responsibility

Answer

Medications only need to be secured overnight

Question 3

In NZ, what is the nurse prescriber role and what are its limitations?

Accepted Answer

Registered nurse prescribers who have completed an approved prescribing programme can prescribe from a defined formulary within their area of practice

Answer

Any registered nurse can prescribe any medication in NZ

Answer

Nurse prescribing does not exist in New Zealand

Answer

Only nurse practitioners can prescribe, not registered nurses

Question 4

What does the NZ medication safety programme 'Open for better care' focus on?

Accepted Answer

Reducing preventable harm including medication errors through evidence-based interventions and system improvements

Answer

Opening pharmacies for longer hours

Answer

Making all medications available without prescription

Answer

Increasing the number of pharmacists in hospitals

Question 5

What is the NZ nurse's responsibility when a verbal medication order is given?

Accepted Answer

Read back the order to the prescriber to confirm accuracy, document it, and ensure it is signed by the prescriber within 24 hours

Answer

Verbal orders are never acceptable in NZ

Answer

Simply carry out the order without confirmation

Answer

Only write it down if the nurse has time

Question 6

What is the NZ requirement for nurses regarding high-risk or high-alert medications?

Accepted Answer

Additional safety checks, independent double-checking, and heightened monitoring are required for medications with a higher risk of causing significant harm

Answer

High-risk medications are only handled by pharmacists

Answer

No additional precautions are required beyond standard medication procedures

Answer

High-risk medications are banned in NZ