OSCE Pharmacology and Medication Administration

Question 1

What are the 'Five Rights' of medication administration?

Accepted Answer

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time

Answer

The Five Rights are the foundational framework for safe medication administration: confirming the correct patient receives the correct drug at the correct dose by the correct route at the correct time.

Question 2

A prescription reads 'paracetamol 1g PO QDS PRN.' What does 'QDS PRN' mean?

Accepted Answer

Four times daily as required (when needed)

Answer

QDS = quater die sumendus (four times daily); PRN = pro re nata (as required/when needed). Together they mean the drug can be given up to four times per day but only when the patient requires it.

Question 3

When preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection, which site is generally preferred in adults for volumes up to 3 mL?

Accepted Answer

Ventrogluteal (gluteus medius) — preferred for most IM injections in adults

Answer

The ventrogluteal site (hand placement landmark method) is preferred for IM injection in adults due to its large muscle mass, absence of major nerves/vessels, and low complication rate.

Question 4

Which vital sign change should trigger withholding digoxin and contacting the prescriber?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate below 60 beats per minute (bradycardia)

Answer

Digoxin slows heart rate via vagal effects; administration when the heart rate is already below 60 bpm risks worsening bradycardia and potentially fatal arrhythmias.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'drug allergy alert' documentation in a patient's medication record?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the patient from receiving any drug in the same class as the allergen, preventing potentially life-threatening reactions

Answer

Allergy documentation records the specific allergen and reaction type (severity) so that cross-reactive drugs and the allergen itself are avoided, preventing anaphylaxis and severe hypersensitivity reactions.

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Pharmacology and Medication Administration