NCNZ Pharmacology and Medication Safety

Question 1

Under NZ law, which legislation governs the classification and control of medicines?

Accepted Answer

The Medicines Act 1981 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975

Answer

The Hazardous Substances Act 1996 only

Answer

The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993

Answer

The Food Act 2014

Question 2

What are the NZ medicine classification categories that nurses should understand?

Accepted Answer

Prescription medicines, restricted medicines, pharmacy-only medicines, and general sale medicines

Answer

Over-the-counter and prescription only

Answer

Class A, B, and C drugs only

Answer

Hospital medicines and community medicines

Question 3

What is the NZ nurse's role regarding controlled drugs (Class B and C) administration?

Accepted Answer

Two registered health practitioners must independently check and sign for controlled drug administration

Answer

Only doctors can administer controlled drugs in NZ

Answer

Controlled drugs can be administered by any staff member

Answer

No special procedures apply to controlled drugs in NZ

Question 4

What must a NZ nurse do if they identify a potential adverse drug reaction in a patient?

Accepted Answer

Stop the medication if clinically appropriate, manage the patient's symptoms, notify the prescriber, and report through the CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)

Answer

Continue the medication and monitor the patient more closely

Answer

Only report if the reaction is life-threatening

Answer

Document it but take no further action

Question 5

What is the NZ requirement for medication reconciliation at transitions of care?

Accepted Answer

A complete list of the patient's current medications must be verified and reconciled at every transition point (admission, transfer, discharge)

Answer

Medication reconciliation is only needed at admission

Answer

It is the pharmacist's sole responsibility, not the nurse's

Answer

Medication reconciliation is optional in NZ hospitals

Question 6

Under NZ regulations, what are standing orders and how do they relate to nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Written instructions authorising specified health practitioners to administer medications or treatments in defined circumstances without an individual prescription

Answer

Orders that require the patient to stand while receiving medication

Answer

Permanent medication orders that never need to be reviewed

Answer

Orders that only apply to military nurses