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

In NZ, medicines are governed by the Medicines Act 1981 (classification, prescribing, dispensing, and sale of medicines) and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (controlled drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances with abuse potential).

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

NZ classifies medicines into four categories: prescription medicines (require a prescriber), restricted medicines (pharmacist supervision), pharmacy-only medicines (available from a pharmacy without prescription), and general sale medicines (available anywhere).

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

In NZ, controlled drug administration requires a double-checking process where two registered health practitioners independently verify the drug, dose, patient, and route. Both must sign the controlled drugs register.

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

The nurse should withhold the medication if safe to do so, provide appropriate care for the symptoms, notify the prescriber immediately, document the reaction, and report it to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring) at the University of Otago.

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 required at every transition of care in NZ — admission, transfer between wards, and discharge. It involves verifying all current medications to prevent errors such as omissions, duplications, and drug interactions.

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Pharmacology and Medication Safety