NMBI Medication Administration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which medication must never be stopped abruptly without medical guidance?
- Long-term corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) (Correct answer)
- Paracetamol
- Antacids
- Antihistamines
Correct answer: Long-term corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone)
Long-term corticosteroid use suppresses the body's natural cortisol production (HPA axis suppression). Abrupt withdrawal can cause adrenal crisis. Doses must be tapered under medical supervision.
Question 2: A nurse is preparing a subcutaneous injection. What needle gauge and length is typically used?
- 25–27 gauge, 16mm length (Correct answer)
- 18–20 gauge, 38mm length
- 23 gauge, 25mm length
- 16 gauge, 50mm length
Correct answer: 25–27 gauge, 16mm length
Subcutaneous injections are given into the fat layer just below the skin. A fine gauge (25–27G) short needle (16mm) is appropriate. Larger, longer needles would penetrate into muscle.
Question 3: What does 'stat' mean on a medication chart?
- Give immediately, as a one-off dose (Correct answer)
- Give at the stated time every day
- Give only when symptoms are severe
- Give at night only
Correct answer: Give immediately, as a one-off dose
'Stat' (from Latin 'statim' = immediately) means the dose should be given immediately as a one-time dose, not repeated unless prescribed again.
Question 4: A nurse questions a prescribed dose that appears unusually high. What should she do?
- Contact the prescriber to clarify before administering (Correct answer)
- Administer the dose as prescribed without question
- Reduce the dose to what she considers safe
- Omit the dose and document nothing
Correct answer: Contact the prescriber to clarify before administering
Nurses have a professional and legal duty to question prescriptions they believe may be unsafe. The prescriber must be contacted before administration. Administering a potentially dangerous dose is not safe practice.
Question 5: Which of the following is a contraindication to ibuprofen?
- Active peptic ulcer disease (Correct answer)
- Mild headache
- Stable asthma
- Low-grade fever
Correct answer: Active peptic ulcer disease
Ibuprofen (an NSAID) is contraindicated in active peptic ulcer disease because it inhibits prostaglandins that protect the gastric mucosa, worsening or causing gastric bleeding.
Question 6: When administering medication via a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is essential before giving the drug?
- Confirm tube placement, flush with water before and after, and give medications in liquid form or crushed if permitted (Correct answer)
- Give medications in tablet form to save time
- Use the same syringe for all medications without flushing in between
- Skip placement confirmation if the tube was inserted less than 12 hours ago
Correct answer: Confirm tube placement, flush with water before and after, and give medications in liquid form or crushed if permitted
NG tube placement must be confirmed before every use. Flushing prevents blockages and interactions between drugs. Not all tablets can be crushed — check compatibility. Incorrect administration can cause aspiration.
NMBI Medication Administration 3
Which medication must never be stopped abruptly without medical guidance?