NMC OSCE Medicines Management 2

Question 1

A nurse is administering insulin. Which of the following is the most important safety check specific to insulin?

Accepted Answer

Confirming the type of insulin (e.g., rapid-acting vs long-acting)

Answer

Insulin errors are a leading cause of serious harm. Confirming the exact type of insulin (e.g., rapid-acting NovoRapid vs long-acting Lantus) is critical because mixing up types can cause severe hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia.

Question 2

Under UK law, which professional is responsible for a drug error made when following a verbal order from a doctor?

Accepted Answer

The nurse who administered the drug

Answer

Under NMC standards and UK law, the nurse who administers a drug is professionally accountable for that administration. Verbal orders carry significant risk; nurses should not administer drugs based on verbal orders without proper prescription documentation except in emergency situations.

Question 3

What does the abbreviation PRN mean on a prescription chart?

Accepted Answer

As required

Answer

PRN comes from the Latin 'pro re nata' meaning 'as required' or 'as needed'. It indicates that the medication should be given when a specific condition or need arises, not on a regular scheduled basis.

Question 4

A patient is on warfarin and is prescribed a new course of ciprofloxacin. What is the key concern?

Accepted Answer

Ciprofloxacin inhibits warfarin metabolism, increasing bleeding risk

Answer

Ciprofloxacin (and other quinolone antibiotics) inhibit the hepatic enzymes that metabolise warfarin, leading to increased warfarin levels and INR, with significantly increased risk of bleeding. INR should be monitored closely.

Question 5

Which route of administration has the fastest onset of action?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Intravenous (IV) administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, bypassing absorption stages, giving the fastest onset of action. This is why IV routes are used in emergencies and for drugs requiring immediate effect.

NMC OSCE Practice Test

NMC OSCE Practice Test

NMC OSCE Medicines Management 2