NRCMA Pharmacology Basics

Question 1

What is the purpose of the 'Five Rights' in medication administration?

Accepted Answer

To prevent medication errors: right patient, drug, dose, route, time

Answer

The Five Rights serve as a safety checklist to prevent medication errors during every administration.

Question 2

What does 'PRN' mean on a prescription?

Accepted Answer

As needed

Answer

PRN comes from Latin 'pro re nata' meaning 'as needed.'

Question 3

What is a drug contraindication?

Accepted Answer

A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable

Answer

A contraindication is a specific situation where a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient.

Question 4

What is the difference between generic and brand-name drugs?

Accepted Answer

Generic drugs have the same active ingredient but different name and typically lower cost

Answer

Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients, dosage, and route as brand-name drugs but are marketed under their chemical name at lower cost after patent expiration.

Question 5

What is a side effect?

Accepted Answer

An unintended effect of a medication beyond its intended action

Answer

Side effects are unintended responses to a medication that occur alongside the desired therapeutic effect.

(NRCMA) Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

(NRCMA) Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NRCMA Pharmacology Basics