Medication Rights & Safety
Which two identifiers are required to confirm the Right Patient?
Full name and date of birth.
Which name on a medication label is assigned by the manufacturer?
The brand name.
What does PO mean?
By mouth.
Which route delivers medication directly into the bloodstream?
Intravenous.
Convert 0.5 g to mg.
500 mg.
Rationale:
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams
Multiply grams by 1,000
Work:
0.5 × 1,000 = 500 mg
What is the primary purpose of verifying a medication order?
To ensure patient safety.
What information on the label helps determine accurate dosing?
The medication strength.
What does PRN stand for?
As needed.
Medications placed under the tongue for rapid absorption use which route?
Sublingual.
How many mL are in 2 tablespoons?
30 mL.
Rationale:
1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 mL
Multiply tablespoons by 15
Work:
2 × 15 = 30 mL
Which of the following is NOT a medication right: right patient, right drug, right time, or right environment?
Right environment.
Why are expiration dates important?
They ensure medication potency and safety.
A medication ordered AC should be given when?
Before meals.
What route places medication between the cheek and gum?
Buccal.
Convert 154 lb to kg.
70 kg.
Rationale:
To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2
Work:
154 ÷ 2.2 = 70 kg
If a medication error is discovered, what is the first nursing action?
Assess the patient.
How should medications be stored to ensure safety?
According to manufacturer instructions and in a secure location.
Why is the abbreviation U for units considered unsafe?
It can be mistaken for a zero or a four.
Routes such as IM, IV, and subcutaneous are collectively called what?
Parenteral.
Convert 37.5°C to °F.
99.5°F.
Rationale:
°F = (°C × 1.8) + 32
Work:
(37.5 × 1.8) + 32 = 67.5 + 32 = 99.5°F
What must be documented after administering a medication?
The patient’s response.
What is the role of the pharmacy in medication administration?
To prepare and dispense medications.
What does NPO mean, and why is it important to verify before giving oral meds?
Nothing by mouth; giving oral meds could cause aspiration or violate orders.
Which route delivers medication through the nose or mouth into the respiratory tract?
Inhalation.
Order: 500 mg. On hand: 250 mg tablets. How many tablets?
2 tablets.
Rationale:
Tablets needed = Ordered dose ÷ Dose on hand
Work:
500 ÷ 250 = 2 tablets