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

NMC standards and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations require that the administration of a controlled drug (in most inpatient settings) is witnessed and co-signed by a second registered professional, typically another registered nurse, to ensure safety and accountability.

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

The NMC standards emphasize patient-centred care and the right to refuse treatment. The nurse's professional duty is to respect the patient's autonomy, withhold the dose, accurately document the refusal and the reason (if given), and communicate this to the prescriber to ensure the patient's care plan can be reviewed.

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

The absolute first priority following any medication error is to assess the patient's condition and ensure their immediate safety. While informing others, documenting, and reporting are all crucial subsequent steps, the patient's well-being takes precedence over all other actions.

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

Standard 18 of 'The Code' explicitly states that nurses, midwives, and nursing associates must 'Advise on, prescribe, supply, dispense or administer medicines within the limits of your training and competence, the law, our guidance and other relevant policies, guidance and regulations'. This highlights the core principle of professional accountability and practising within one's scope.

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

To enhance patient safety, the NMC guidance effective from June 1, 2025, mandates that independent nurse and midwife prescribers must conduct a face-to-face consultation and perform an appropriate clinical assessment before prescribing any products for elective non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Remote prescribing for these specific treatments is not considered appropriate.

(NMC) Nursing Midwifery Council Practice Test

(NMC) Nursing Midwifery Council Practice Test

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