Class 6

Question 1

Question: What is ward stock in a pharmacy context?

Answer 1

Answer: Ward stock medications are stored in patient care or nursing units without patient-specific details. They are pre-determined by the pharmacy and nursing management.

Question 2

Question: What is one primary responsibility of pharmacy assistants and technicians regarding ward stock?

Answer 2

Answer: They monitor medication usage and replenish stock based on institutional procedures and quota lists.

Question 3

Question: How do pharmacy assistants determine restocking needs for ward stock?

Answer 3

Answer: They physically count medications against a quota list and assess how much needs to be refilled.

Question 4

Question: What safety measure should be followed before delivering medications to a unit?

Answer 4

Answer: Medications should be double-checked by another staff member to prevent errors.

Question 5

Question: Where are ward stock medications delivered and stored within nursing units?

Answer 5

Answer: They are delivered to and stored in appropriate bins designated for the nursing unit.

Question 6

Question: What system do pharmacy assistants update after delivering ward stock medications?

Answer 6

Answer: They update the computer system to charge the items to the nursing unit.

Question 7

Question: What is Pyxis, and why is it used in some institutions for ward stock management?

Answer 7

Answer: Pyxis is an automated dispensing machine that simplifies ward stock processes, enhances safety, and improves security.

Question 8

Question: Name one advantage of using automated dispensing machines like Pyxis.

Answer 8

Answer: Automated systems like Pyxis provide simpler processes for managing ward stock.

Question 9

Question: How are pharmacy staff notified when ward stock levels are low?

Answer 9

Answer: Reports are generated to notify staff when stock levels reach a minimum threshold.

Question 10

Question: What steps do pharmacy staff follow to refill ward stock?

Answer 10

Answer:

Gather and check medications.
Deliver and replenish Pyxis machines or carts.
Charge the restocked items to the corresponding units.

Question 11

Question: What is a cart exchange system used by some nursing units?

Answer 11

Answer: It involves swapping old medication carts with replenished ones.

Question 12

Question: Name one tip to reduce errors when replenishing ward stock.

Answer 12

Answer: Select and verify only one drug at a time to avoid errors.

Question 13

Question: How should medications be organized during the ward stock replenishment process?

Answer 13

Answer: Medications should be organized into separate bins or bags to make verification easier.

Question 14

Question: Why should different people be involved at various stages of ward stock replenishment?

Answer 14

Answer: Involving different people helps reduce errors through independent checks at each stage.

Question 15

Question: What safety measure is important for preventing confusion with similar medications?

Answer 15

Answer: Double-checking look-alike and sound-alike drugs is crucial to prevent errors.

Question 16

Question: What are two critical practices for reducing replenishment errors?

Answer 16

Answer: Avoid multitasking and minimize distractions to maintain focus and accuracy.

Question 17

Question: What final step is essential when handling medication labels during stock replenishment?

Answer 17

Answer: Read labels carefully to ensure the correct drug, strength, and dosage form are selected.

Question 18

Question: What are drug kits, also known as crash carts or code boxes, used for?

Answer 18

Answer: They are stocked with essential emergency supplies to treat seizures, anaphylactic reactions, and respiratory or cardiac arrest.

Question 19

Question: Where are drug kits placed within healthcare facilities?

Answer 19

Answer: They are placed in nursing units and treatment rooms, with backup kits stored for quick replacement.

Question 20

Question: How are drug kits secured to ensure readiness and visibility?

Answer 20

Answer: Kits are secured with ties or wraps to indicate if they have been accessed.

Question 21

Question: What information is included in the inventory list of a drug kit?

Answer 21

Answer: The inventory list includes the drug name, strength, packaging, and quantity.

Question 22

Question: Why are the contents of drug kits arranged alphabetically?

Answer 22

Answer: Contents are arranged alphabetically for quick access during emergencies.

Question 23

Question: What type of drug packaging is commonly found in emergency drug kits?

Answer 23

Answer: Pre-filled syringes are commonly used for rapid administration during emergencies.

Question 24

Question: Why is it critical to have procedures for drug kit readiness?

Answer 24

Answer: Procedures ensure that kits are stocked and ready, allowing rapid and effective drug administration during emergencies.

Question 25

Question: What is the purpose of inventory control in an institutional pharmacy?

Answer 25

Answer: Inventory control manages the stock of medications to meet prescription needs without excessive oversupply.

Question 26

Question: What are the temperature ranges for storing medications at different conditions?

Answer 26

Answer: Room Temperature: 15° - 30°C Refrigerated: 2° - 8°C Frozen: Below 0°C

Question 27

Question: How should light-sensitive medications be stored?

Answer 27

Answer: Light-sensitive medications should be protected by following storage instructions on the label or packaging insert.

Question 28

Question: How are medications organized for storage in institutional pharmacies?

Answer 28

Answer: Medications are organized by type, such as oral, injectable, or topical medications, and placed in labeled bins or boxes.

Question 29

Question: What is the importance of stock rotation in medication storage?

Answer 29

Answer: Stock rotation ensures that items with closer expiration dates are placed at the front to prevent medication loss or degradation.

Question 30

Question: What is the purpose of the night dispensary in an institutional pharmacy?

Answer 30

Answer: The night dispensary is used to dispense medications after pharmacy hours and is commonly referred to as the night cupboard. Narcotic and controlled substances are not stored here.

Question 31

Question: What steps do nurses follow to obtain medications from the night dispensary?

Answer 31

Answer: Obtain medication codes from the directory. Contact distribution staff for the required medications. Fill out a requisition form with details such as the date, nursing unit, patient name, and code number.

Question 32

Question: What are the steps for restocking the night dispensary?

Answer 32

Answer: Locate the code number from the pharmacy list. Pick the required medications and label them with the code number and expiry date. Initial and double-check the labels. Record and charge dispensed doses to the nursing unit.

Question 33

Question: What types of medications are not stored in the night dispensary?

Answer 33

Answer: Non-formulary medications Emergency release medications Cytotoxic drugs Narcotic medications

Question 34

Question: Where are ward stock medications stored?

Answer 34

Answer: Ward stock medications are stored in patient care areas or nursing units and are not labeled with patient names or room numbers.

Question 35

Question: Who determines which medications are stocked in ward units?

Answer 35

Answer: The pharmacy and nursing units collaboratively decide which medications are kept in stock.

Question 36

Question: What responsibilities do pharmacy assistants and technicians have in ward stock management?

Answer 36

Answer: Monitor medication usage. Replenish stock as needed. Follow institutional medication quotas. Physically count medications to determine restocking needs. Ensure all medications are double-checked by another staff member before delivery.

Question 37

Question: What process ensures accuracy before ward stock medications are delivered to units?

Answer 37

Answer: All ward stock items are double-checked by another staff member to verify accuracy before being delivered.

Question 38

Question: What is an example of an automated dispensing machine used in ward stock management?

Answer 38

Answer: Pyxis machines are an example of automated dispensing machines used for ward stock management.

Question 39

Question: What are the benefits of using automated dispensing machines like Pyxis?

Answer 39

Answer: Simpler operations Enhanced safety Greater security

Question 40

Question: How are pharmacy staff alerted about low stock in Pyxis machines?

Answer 40

Answer: A report system alerts pharmacy staff when stock reaches minimum levels.

Question 41

Question: What is the procedure once a low-stock report is generated in an automated dispensing system?

Answer 41

Answer: Pharmacy staff gather, restock items based on the report, and document all deliveries to the corresponding nursing units.

Question 42

Question: What is the cart exchange system used for in some institutions?

Answer 42

Answer: It is a process where a depleted cart is swapped with a fully replenished cart to ensure medication availability.

Question 43

Question: What steps do pharmacy staff follow during the cart exchange process?

Answer 43

Answer: 1. Verify the required medications. 2. Gather the medications. 3. Perform double-checks. 4. Place medications in the new cart for delivery.

Question 44

Question: How does the cart exchange system benefit ward stock management?

Answer 44

Answer: It provides a streamlined method to quickly replenish medication supplies in patient care areas or nursing units.

Question 45

Question: Why should you verify only one drug at a time when refilling ward stock?

Answer 45

Answer: To ensure that the selected drug matches the fill list, reducing the risk of errors.

Question 46

Question: How should medications be organized during ward stock refilling?

Answer 46

Answer: Medications should be organized into labeled bins or bags for easy verification and access.

Question 47

Question: Why is it important to involve multiple people in the refilling process?

Answer 47

Answer: Involving multiple people helps catch errors at different stages and provides independent verification.

Question 48

Question: What types of medications should be double-checked to prevent errors?

Answer 48

Answer: Look-alike and sound-alike medications should be double-checked to avoid mix-ups.

Question 49

Question: What practices can help prevent errors related to multitasking and distractions?

Answer 49

Answer: Avoid multitasking during the process. Minimize distractions. Focus fully on each task to prevent mistakes.

Question 50

Question: How can careful label reading reduce errors?

Answer 50

Answer: It ensures the correct medication, strength, and form are selected, minimizing the risk of incorrect dispensing.

Question 51

What are drug kits (emergency boxes) used for?

Answer 51

Drug kits are used in critical situations like seizures, anaphylaxis, and cardiac arrest, providing essential medications and supplies.

Question 52

Where are drug kits typically available?

Answer 52

Drug kits are placed in nursing units and treatment rooms for quick access during emergencies.

Question 53

How are medications organized within drug kits?

Answer 53

Medications are arranged alphabetically, with pre-filled syringes ready for immediate use.

Question 54

What information is provided in the inventory lists for drug kits?

Answer 54

Inventory lists specify the drug name, strength, and quantity for each item in the kit.

Question 55

How is the security of drug kits maintained?

Answer 55

Drug kits are sealed with ties or wraps for visibility, ensuring that any use or tampering is easily detectable.

Question 56

What procedures are followed to maintain drug kits?

Answer 56

Kits are regularly inspected, restocked, and replaced quickly after use to ensure readiness for emergencies.

Question 57

Question: What are code modules, and what are they also known as?

Answer 57

Answer: Code modules are emergency drug kits used for urgent medical situations. They are also called emergency drug boxes, code boxes, or crash carts.

Question 58

Question: What do code modules typically contain?

Answer 58

Answer: Code modules contain both emergency medications and essential supplies, such as defibrillators.

Question 59

Question: Where are code modules placed within healthcare institutions?

Answer 59

Answer: Code modules are strategically placed in patient care areas to ensure quick access during emergencies.

Question 60

Question: What is the primary purpose of code modules?

Answer 60

Answer: The primary purpose of code modules is to provide immediate access to life-saving drugs and equipment in critical situations.

Question 61

Question: What types of emergency situations do code modules address?

Answer 61

Answer: Code modules address emergencies such as seizures, anaphylactic reactions, respiratory distress, and cardiac arrest.

Question 62

Question: Where must code modules be located to ensure effective emergency response?

Answer 62

Answer: Code modules must always be accessible on patient care units.

Question 63

Question: What steps must be taken after a code module is used?

Answer 63

Answer: The pharmacy must immediately refill the code module after use to ensure it is ready for the next emergency.

Question 64

Question: How are code modules secured to prevent unauthorized access?

Answer 64

Answer: Code modules are security-wrapped, often with ties or wraps, to indicate if they have been accessed.

Question 65

**Question:** Who determines the contents of a code module or emergency drug kit?

Answer 65

**Answer:** The contents are determined by physicians and pharmacists.

Question 66

**Question:** What type of medication format is primarily used in code modules?

Answer 66

Answer: Pre-filled syringes with mostly injectable drugs are used for quick administration.

Question 67

Question: How are items in code modules organized?

Answer 67

Answer: Items are well-organized and clearly labeled to ensure efficiency during emergencies.

Question 68

Question: What should never be included in emergency drug kits?

Answer 68

Answer: Expired drugs should never be included in emergency drug kits.

Question 68

Question: What is the standard format for recording expiry dates?

Answer 68

Answer: The expiry date format is YEAR, MON, DAY.

Question 69

Question: Where is the earliest expiry date displayed on the kit?

Answer 69

Answer: The earliest expiry date is labeled on the outside of the kit for easy tracking.

Question 70

Question: Why are regular checks for expired products important?

Answer 70

Answer: Regular checks ensure that all medications remain effective and safe for use during emergencies.

Question 71

What is the recommended storage temperature for room-temperature medications?

Answer 71

Answer: 15˚ to 30˚ Celsius.

Question 72

Question: What temperature range is required for refrigerated medications?

Answer 72

Answer: 2˚ to 8˚ Celsius.

Question 73

Question: At what temperature should frozen medications be stored?

Answer 73

Answer: Below 0˚ Celsius.

Question 74

Question: Why are some medications stored in amber containers?

Answer 74

Answer: To protect them from light exposure.

Question 75

Question: What are the bin color codes for different medication types?

Answer 75

Answer: Yellow: Oral medications. Green: Topical medications. Red: Injections.

Question 76

Question: What is the purpose of stock rotation in medication storage?

Answer 76

Answer: To place items with earlier expiration dates at the front to prevent waste and ensure product viability.

Question 77

Question: Why should expiry dates be checked regularly?