WEEK 4/5: Preventing Medication Errors (Canada Nurse)

Question 1

What is the purpose of using at least two person-specific identifiers when providing care?

Answer 1

To ensure accurate patient identification

Neither identifier can be the patient’s room number.

Question 2

True or false: Verbal or telephone prescriptions do not require a verification ‘repeat-back’.

Answer 2

FALSE

A complete prescription or test result must be verified by repeating it back.

Question 3

What should be included in a ‘Do-Not-Use’ list?

Answer 3

• Abbreviations
• Acronyms
• Symbols
• Dose designations

Standardizing this list improves medication safety.

Question 4

What is a critical safety rule regarding anticoagulants?

Answer 4

Use only oral unit-dose products and premixed infusions

When administering heparin intravenously, use programmable infusion pumps.

Question 5

Where should all narcotics be stored?

Answer 5

In a locked, secure cabinet or container

Frequent counting and recording of narcotics is essential.

Question 6

What is the definition of medication errors?

Answer 6

Any preventable event that may lead to inappropriate medication administration or cause patient harm

Errors can be related to professional practice, product design, or systems.

Question 7

What should a nurse do immediately after a medication error occurs?

Answer 7

Assess the patient’s condition and notify the health care provider

Once stable, report the incident to the appropriate person.

Question 8

What is the time frame for filing a written incident report after a medication error?

Answer 8

Usually within 24 hours

The report is an internal audit tool and not part of the medical record.

Question 9

What is the goal of medication therapy?

Answer 9

Optimizing the therapeutic outcome of a patient

There are inherent risks, including medication errors.

Question 10

What should be done before administering medications to a patient?

Answer 10

• Perform hand hygiene
• Review pre-administration assessments
• Clarify illegible handwriting

Do not allow interruptions during medication administration.

Question 11

What are the ten rights of medication administration?

Answer 11

• Right patient
• Right medication
• Right dose
• Right route
• Right time
• Right reason
• Right documentation
• Right response
• Right education
• Right to refuse

Following these rights helps prevent medication errors.

Question 12

What should be done with liquid medications?

Answer 12

Use a standard measuring device

This ensures accurate dosing.

Question 13

What should be done if a medication error occurs despite precautions?

Answer 13

Report it and follow employer policy for interventions

This may include administering an antidote or monitoring the patient.

Question 14

What is the expected outcome of correct medication administration?

Answer 14

Patient exhibits no adverse reactions or adverse effects

Patient should also experience the desired medication effect.

Question 15

What should be documented immediately after medication administration?

Answer 15

Medication name, actual time, dose, and route

Include initials or signature.

Question 16

What should be done with wasted medications?

Answer 16

Return to the pharmacy or dispose of in a pharmacy-designated container

Wasted controlled liquid medications must be drawn up using a needleless syringe.