Prescription Drug Safety Quiz

What is the primary role of a prescriber in the context of prescription drugs?

• To ensure the patient does not take dangerous or inappropriate medication

• To diagnose all illnesses without evaluation

• To provide over-the-counter medication for all conditions

• To allow patients to choose any medication they prefer

Answer explanation

The primary role of a prescriber is to ensure the patient does not take dangerous or inappropriate medication, safeguarding their health and providing appropriate treatment options.

Why is it important for health-care providers to evaluate the cause of severe headaches?

• To sell more medication

• To ensure the correct medication is prescribed

• To avoid unnecessary doctor visits

• To allow patients to self-medicate

Answer explanation

Evaluating the cause of severe headaches is crucial to ensure the correct medication is prescribed. This helps in effectively treating the underlying issue rather than just alleviating symptoms.

What is the primary purpose of obtaining a written order for a prescription?

• To ensure the patient's safety by reducing misinterpretation

• To increase the speed of medication delivery

• To allow any healthcare worker to administer the drug

• To avoid the need for a pharmacist

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of obtaining a written order for a prescription is to ensure the patient's safety by reducing misinterpretation, which helps prevent medication errors and ensures proper treatment.

What should a prescriber do if they have poor handwriting?

• Write the prescription quickly

• Type the prescription and have it signed

• Ask a nurse to write it

• Use abbreviations to save space

Answer explanation

Typing the prescription ensures clarity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation due to poor handwriting. Having it signed maintains the prescriber's authority and accountability.

Why is it important to review abbreviations used in medication orders?

• To prevent errors and ensure patient safety

• To make the prescription process faster

• To allow for more creative writing

• To reduce the cost of medications

Answer explanation

Reviewing abbreviations in medication orders is crucial to prevent errors and ensure patient safety. Misunderstandings can lead to incorrect dosages or medications, which can have serious consequences for patients.

What is one advantage of electronic prescription orders over traditional written prescriptions?

• They are always cheaper for the patient

• They eliminate the need for a pharmacist

• They avoid issues like illegible writing and lost documents

• They require no verification from insurance companies

Answer explanation

One advantage of electronic prescriptions is that they avoid issues like illegible writing and lost documents, ensuring clarity and reliability in medication orders, which is a common problem with traditional written prescriptions.

What is the purpose of standing orders in medical prescriptions?

• To allow patients to self-prescribe medications

• To provide specific instructions for routine circumstances

• To replace the need for verbal orders

• To ensure all prescriptions are given electronically

Answer explanation

Standing orders in medical prescriptions provide specific instructions for routine circumstances, ensuring consistent care without the need for immediate physician input for common situations.

What must every prescription include according to the text?

• Patient's favorite color

• Date of birth

• DEA number of the prescriber

• Patient's occupation

Answer explanation

Every prescription must include the DEA number of the prescriber, as it is essential for identifying the authorized provider of controlled substances. The other options are not required elements of a prescription.

Why is the date on a prescription important?

• It determines the patient's age

• It is used for filing insurance claims

• It indicates the patient's next appointment

• It shows the patient's medical history

Answer explanation

The date on a prescription is crucial for filing insurance claims, as it helps verify the timing of the medication and ensures that the claim is processed correctly. Other options do not relate directly to the prescription's date.

What should you do if you cannot determine the correct medication from a prescription?

• Guess the medication based on the patient's history

• Consult with the prescriber for clarification

• Choose the cheaper medication

• Ignore the prescription

Answer explanation

If you cannot determine the correct medication from a prescription, the best course of action is to consult with the prescriber for clarification. This ensures patient safety and accurate medication dispensing.