NMC - Nursing Midwifery Council Medicines Management and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

A nurse is preparing to administer a controlled drug to a patient on a surgical ward.
According to NMC standards and UK regulations, which of the following is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Accepted Answer

Have the administration process checked and witnessed by a second registered nurse.

Answer

Ask a healthcare assistant to observe the process and co-sign the record.

Answer

Proceed with administration as a sole registered nurse if the situation is urgent.

Answer

Administer the drug and complete the controlled drug register at the end of the shift.

Question 2

A patient unexpectedly refuses to take their prescribed morning dose of an antihypertensive medication. What is the nurse's primary responsibility according to the NMC Code?

Accepted Answer

Withhold the medication, document the refusal, and inform the prescriber.

Answer

Encourage the patient strongly to take the medication to prevent a rise in blood pressure.

Answer

Crush the tablet and mix it with food to ensure the patient receives it.

Answer

Document the medication as given to maintain the accuracy of the administration record.

Question 3

A newly registered nurse discovers they have administered a medication via the intramuscular route instead of the prescribed subcutaneous route. What is the immediate priority action for the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient for any adverse effects and ensure their safety.

Answer

Complete an incident report form immediately.

Answer

Inform the ward manager and the prescriber of the error.

Answer

Document the administration correctly in the patient's notes.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key principle of medicines management as outlined in the NMC's 'The Code'?

Accepted Answer

Advising on, prescribing, or administering medicines only within the limits of your training and competence.

Answer

Administering medicines only when directly supervised by a doctor.

Answer

Only administering medicines that the nurse has personally prescribed.

Answer

Ensuring medication is always administered at the exact prescribed time, without deviation.

Question 5

A nurse independent prescriber is conducting a remote consultation for a patient requesting a prescription for a non-surgical cosmetic procedure. According to the latest NMC guidance (effective June 2025), what is the mandatory requirement for this consultation?

Accepted Answer

A face-to-face consultation and clinical assessment must be conducted.

Answer

A video call is sufficient if the patient's identity is verified.

Answer

The prescription can be issued if the patient provides a clear photographic history.

Answer

Remote prescribing is permitted if another healthcare professional is present with the patient.

Question 6

When a patient brings their own medicines into the hospital, what is the correct procedure a nurse should follow?

Accepted Answer

Use the patient's own supply after they have been assessed as suitable for use by a pharmacist or according to local policy.

Answer

Secure the patient's own drugs and continue administration from ward stock only.

Answer

Send the patient's own drugs home with their family immediately to avoid confusion.

Answer

Combine the patient's own drugs with the ward stock of the same medication to ensure an adequate supply.