Pharmacy Medication Safety and Error Prevention 2

Question 1

Which system is commonly used to analyze the root cause of medication errors?

Accepted Answer

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Answer

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a structured process used to identify the underlying system failures that contributed to a medication error, focusing on processes rather than individuals.

Question 2

An error-prone abbreviation that should NEVER be used on prescriptions according to ISMP/TJC is:

Accepted Answer

U for units

Answer

'U' for units is on The Joint Commission's Do Not Use list because it can be mistaken for '0' (zero) or '4', potentially causing 10-fold dosing errors.

Question 3

Independent double-checks are most valuable for which type of medications?

Accepted Answer

High-alert medications such as insulin, heparin, and chemotherapy

Answer

Independent double-checks — where a second qualified person verifies the drug, dose, and patient — are a critical safety layer for high-alert medications with narrow margins and serious harm potential.

Question 4

MedWatch is the FDA's voluntary reporting program for:

Accepted Answer

Reporting serious adverse events and medication errors

Answer

FDA MedWatch (Safety Reporting Portal) allows healthcare professionals and consumers to voluntarily report serious adverse events, medication errors, and product quality problems.

Question 5

Which practice best reduces dispensing errors caused by distractions?

Accepted Answer

Designating quiet no-interruption zones during verification

Answer

Designating a no-interruption zone (NIZ) during prescription verification is an evidence-based safety practice that reduces distraction-related dispensing errors.

Pharmacy Practice Test

Pharmacy Practice Test

Pharmacy Medication Safety and Error Prevention 2