NMBI Medication Management 2

Question 1

What is a drug interaction and how should a nurse manage the risk?

Accepted Answer

When one drug affects the action of another, potentially causing harm; nurses should check for interactions before administration and report concerns to the prescriber

Answer

Drug interactions can increase or decrease a drug's effect, or cause unexpected side effects. Nurses should be aware of common interactions, check new prescriptions against current medications, use drug reference resources, and consult pharmacists when in doubt.

Question 2

What is the correct procedure for disposing of unused medications in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

Return to pharmacy for disposal, or use designated pharmaceutical waste containers; controlled drugs must be witnessed and documented when destroyed

Answer

Unused medications must be returned to the pharmacy or placed in designated pharmaceutical waste containers (not general waste). Controlled drugs must be destroyed in the presence of a witness, with the destruction recorded in the controlled drugs register.

Question 3

What does 'PRN' mean on a medication prescription?

Accepted Answer

Pro re nata — the medication is to be given as required or as needed, based on the nurse's assessment of the patient's condition

Answer

PRN (pro re nata) means 'as needed'. The nurse assesses the patient's symptoms and administers the medication within the prescribed parameters (dose, frequency, maximum in 24 hours). The nurse must document the reason for giving the PRN medication and its effect.

Question 4

What is the nurse's role in medication reconciliation?

Accepted Answer

To accurately document all medications the patient is taking at every transition of care (admission, transfer, discharge) to prevent discrepancies and errors

Answer

Medication reconciliation involves creating an accurate list of all medications (including over-the-counter and herbal) at every transition point. Nurses play a key role in gathering this information, identifying discrepancies, and communicating with the multidisciplinary team.

Question 5

What precautions must be taken when administering high-risk medications (such as insulin, anticoagulants, or potassium chloride)?

Accepted Answer

Independent double-checking by two nurses, additional patient monitoring, awareness of critical dose ranges, and knowledge of reversal agents

Answer

High-risk medications (known as APINCH drugs — Anti-infectives, Potassium, Insulin, Narcotics, Chemotherapy, Heparin) require enhanced safety measures including independent double-checking, concentration verification, pump programming verification, and heightened patient monitoring.

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Medication Management 2