NMBI Medication Management

Question 1

Under Irish legislation, what are 'controlled drugs' and how must they be handled by nurses?

Accepted Answer

Drugs regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Acts that require special storage, documentation, and administration procedures including dual-nurse checking

Answer

Any drug that controls a disease

Answer

Drugs that control blood pressure

Answer

Drugs available without prescription

Question 2

What should a nurse do if they discover a medication error?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient for harm, notify the prescriber and nurse manager, complete an incident report, document in the patient's record, and inform the patient through open disclosure

Answer

Hide the error to avoid getting into trouble

Answer

Wait to see if the patient develops any symptoms

Answer

Only report it if the patient is harmed

Question 3

What is the correct procedure for administering an intravenous (IV) medication?

Accepted Answer

Verify the prescription, check the Five Rights, inspect the medication for clarity and expiry, check IV site patency, administer at the correct rate, and monitor the patient

Answer

Only check the patient's name and give the medication

Answer

Any nurse can administer any IV medication without additional training

Answer

IV medications do not require documentation

Question 4

What is the nurse's responsibility regarding medication allergies?

Accepted Answer

To document all known allergies on the medication chart and patient record, verify allergy status before each administration, and wear an allergy alert identifier on the patient

Answer

Allergies are the doctor's responsibility only

Answer

Only record allergies if the patient has had a severe reaction

Answer

Allergy information is only needed for IV medications

Question 5

How should medications be stored in a clinical area?

Accepted Answer

In a locked medicine trolley or cupboard, at the correct temperature, separated by type, with controlled drugs in a separate locked cabinet, and stock regularly checked for expiry

Answer

On the patient's bedside locker for easy access

Answer

In an unlocked cupboard in the nurses' station

Answer

Stored with cleaning supplies to save space

Question 6

What is 'polypharmacy' and why is it a concern for patient safety?

Accepted Answer

The concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, which increases the risk of drug interactions, adverse effects, and medication errors

Answer

A type of pharmacy that sells many products

Answer

Using generic drugs instead of branded ones

Answer

Taking medications at multiple times during the day