Medication Administration MCQs Nursing

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1. The “Five Rights” of medication administration include all of the following except:
a) Right patient
b) Right medication
c) Right dose
d) Right time
e) Right insurance
Answer: e) Right insurance

2. The correct method to verify a patient’s identity before administering medication is:
a) Checking the patient’s wristband
b) Asking the patient’s name
c) Using the room number
d) Confirming the patient’s date of birth
Answer: a) Checking the patient’s wristband

3. Before administering an oral medication, the nurse should:
a) Check the patient’s blood pressure
b) Confirm the patient can swallow
c) Take the patient’s temperature
d) Assess the patient’s pain level
Answer: b) Confirm the patient can swallow

4. When administering medications via the intravenous (IV) route, the nurse should:
a) Ensure the medication is diluted if necessary
b) Use a small gauge needle for all medications
c) Administer the medication rapidly without checking for compatibility
d) Inject the medication into a central line only
Answer: a) Ensure the medication is diluted if necessary

5. The term “PRN” in medication orders stands for:
a) As needed
b) At a specific time
c) Immediately
d) Once a day
Answer: a) As needed

6. Which of the following is an appropriate action for administering insulin?
a) Injecting insulin into the deltoid muscle
b) Rotating injection sites
c) Administering insulin without checking the blood glucose level
d) Mixing insulin in a glass vial
Answer: b) Rotating injection sites

7. The nurse is administering a medication that is ordered to be given “STAT.” This means:
a) Once a day
b) Immediately
c) Every four hours
d) As needed
Answer: b) Immediately

8. Which route of medication administration is considered the fastest?
a) Intramuscular
b) Subcutaneous
c) Oral
d) Intravenous
Answer: d) Intravenous

9. When administering a medication via a nasogastric (NG) tube, the nurse should:
a) Crush all medications together
b) Flush the tube with water before and after administering medications
c) Administer medications directly without checking for placement
d) Use a large-bore needle to administer medications
Answer: b) Flush the tube with water before and after administering medications

10. The “Right Time” of medication administration refers to:
a) Administering the medication within a 30-minute window of the scheduled time
b) Giving the medication exactly at the time specified
c) Administering the medication at any time during the shift
d) Providing the medication as soon as it is available
Answer: a) Administering the medication within a 30-minute window of the scheduled time

11. The appropriate technique for administering ear drops to an adult is:
a) Pulling the ear downward and backward
b) Pulling the ear upward and backward
c) Pulling the ear downward and forward
d) Pulling the ear upward and forward
Answer: b) Pulling the ear upward and backward

12. When preparing to administer a medication, the nurse should:
a) Perform hand hygiene before handling the medication
b) Check the medication’s expiration date after administration
c) Ignore the medication’s label once the medication is prepared
d) Skip double-checking the medication against the order
Answer: a) Perform hand hygiene before handling the medication

13. The term “eMAR” stands for:
a) Electronic Medication Administration Record
b) Emergency Medical Administration Record
c) Essential Medication Administration Review
d) Enhanced Medication Accountability Report
Answer: a) Electronic Medication Administration Record

14. When administering a topical medication, the nurse should:
a) Apply the medication to clean, dry skin
b) Rub the medication vigorously into the skin
c) Apply the medication over open wounds
d) Wear gloves only if the medication is a cream
Answer: a) Apply the medication to clean, dry skin

15. Which of the following is a common route for administering vaccines?
a) Intravenous
b) Subcutaneous
c) Oral
d) Intramuscular
Answer: d) Intramuscular

16. The nurse is preparing to administer a medication via the subcutaneous route. Which site is commonly used?
a) Upper arm
b) Abdomen
c) Thigh
d) Buttock
Answer: b) Abdomen

17. The correct procedure for administering an intramuscular (IM) injection is to:
a) Use a short needle and insert at a 15-degree angle
b) Use a long needle and insert at a 90-degree angle
c) Use a thin needle and insert at a 45-degree angle
d) Use a small needle and insert at a 30-degree angle
Answer: b) Use a long needle and insert at a 90-degree angle

18. The nurse is administering a medication that is labeled “sustained release.” This means:
a) The medication is released into the body all at once
b) The medication is absorbed quickly
c) The medication is designed to release slowly over time
d) The medication should be administered multiple times a day
Answer: c) The medication is designed to release slowly over time

19. The appropriate action when administering medications via an inhaler is to:
a) Have the patient inhale the medication with the mouthpiece in their mouth
b) Administer the medication without shaking the inhaler
c) Have the patient hold their breath for 5 seconds after inhaling
d) Administer the medication with the inhaler held upside down
Answer: a) Have the patient inhale the medication with the mouthpiece in their mouth

20. The term “IM” stands for:
a) Intramuscular
b) Intramucosal
c) Immediate
d) Intravenous
Answer: a) Intramuscular

21. When administering oral medications, the nurse should:
a) Crush medications if the patient has difficulty swallowing
b) Mix medications with food without checking for interactions
c) Ensure the patient is sitting upright
d) Administer medications without checking for allergies
Answer: c) Ensure the patient is sitting upright

22. The correct angle for subcutaneous injections is:
a) 15 degrees
b) 30 degrees
c) 45 degrees
d) 90 degrees
Answer: c) 45 degrees

23. The term “diluent” refers to:
a) The medication that increases the drug’s effectiveness
b) The solution used to dilute a drug for injection
c) The vehicle used to administer oral medications
d) The amount of time the drug stays in the bloodstream
Answer: b) The solution used to dilute a drug for injection

24. When administering medication via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), the nurse should:
a) Instruct the patient to exhale before inhaling the medication
b) Have the patient breathe in quickly and deeply
c) Administer the medication directly into the nose
d) Have the patient hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling
Answer: d) Have the patient hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling

25. The nurse needs to administer a medication that is ordered “bid.” This means:
a) Four times a day
b) Twice a day
c) Once a day
d) Every other day
Answer: b) Twice a day

26. The purpose of a medication “order” is to:
a) Provide a legal and accurate record of medication administration
b) Ensure that the patient receives medication at the wrong time
c) Document the patient’s refusal to take medication
d) Ensure that medication is administered without checking for allergies
Answer: a) Provide a legal and accurate record of medication administration

27. The nurse should verify the medication order:
a) Once, after preparing the medication
b) Before preparing, during preparation, and before administration
c) Only after administration
d) Only if there is a question about the order
Answer: b) Before preparing, during preparation, and before administration

28. The term “subcut” stands for:
a) Subcutaneous
b) Submucosal
c) Sublingual
d) Subdermal
Answer: a) Subcutaneous

29. When administering medications via a gastrostomy (G-tube) or jejunostomy (J-tube), the nurse should:
a) Crush medications unless contraindicated
b) Administer all medications at once without flushing the tube
c) Use a large-bore syringe for administration
d) Administer medications without verifying tube placement
Answer: a) Crush medications unless contraindicated

30. The purpose of using a “Medication Administration Record” (MAR) is to:
a) Document medication administration and ensure accuracy
b) Keep track of patient allergies
c) Record the patient’s vital signs
d) Monitor the patient’s diet
Answer: a) Document medication administration and ensure accuracy

31. The correct technique for administering medications via a rectal route is to:
a) Insert the medication with the patient lying on their back
b) Insert the medication with the patient lying on their left side
c) Administer the medication with the patient standing
d) Insert the medication into the rectum for a few seconds and then withdraw
Answer: b) Insert the medication with the patient lying on their left side

32. The nurse is administering a medication that is ordered to be given “t.i.d.” This means:
a) Three times a day
b) Every hour
c) Twice a day
d) Once a day
Answer: a) Three times a day

33. When administering medication via a transdermal patch, the nurse should:
a) Apply the patch to a new site each time
b) Remove the old patch before applying a new one
c) Apply the patch directly over a hairy area
d) Use a heating pad to enhance absorption
Answer: b) Remove the old patch before applying a new one

34. The term “PR” in medication orders stands for:
a) Per rectum
b) Per oral
c) Per intravenous
d) Per subcutaneous
Answer: a) Per rectum

35. Which of the following is an appropriate action when administering a medication via a nebulizer?
a) Ensure the patient inhales the medication deeply and slowly
b) Administer the medication in short, rapid breaths
c) Use the nebulizer in a well-ventilated area with high airflow
d) Have the patient hold their breath for only 1 second after inhaling
Answer: a) Ensure the patient inhales the medication deeply and slowly

36. The nurse is preparing to administer a medication that is ordered “q.d.” This means:
a) Every day
b) Every hour
c) Every other day
d) Twice a day
Answer: a) Every day

37. The purpose of “double-checking” a medication order is to:
a) Prevent medication errors and ensure accuracy
b) Confirm the medication’s color and shape
c) Check the medication’s expiration date
d) Review the patient’s diet
Answer: a) Prevent medication errors and ensure accuracy

38. When administering medication via a feeding tube, the nurse should:
a) Administer the medication with the patient lying flat
b) Flush the tube with water before and after administering medication
c) Crush all medications into a fine powder before administration
d) Administer medications without checking tube placement
Answer: b) Flush the tube with water before and after administering medication

39. The nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication that is labeled as “chewable.” The nurse should:
a) Crush the medication before administration
b) Instruct the patient to swallow the medication whole
c) Ensure the patient chews the medication thoroughly
d) Mix the medication with liquid before administration
Answer: c) Ensure the patient chews the medication thoroughly

40. The correct procedure for administering eye drops is to:
a) Place the drops directly onto the cornea
b) Instill the drops into the lower conjunctival sac
c) Have the patient close their eyes immediately after administration
d) Apply pressure to the patient’s eyelid after administration
Answer: b) Instill the drops into the lower conjunctival sac

41. When administering a medication through a central venous catheter, the nurse should:
a) Flush the catheter with a small amount of saline before and after administration
b) Use a large-bore needle to administer the medication
c) Avoid checking for blood return before administering the medication
d) Administer medications without monitoring for complications
Answer: a) Flush the catheter with a small amount of saline before and after administration

42. The term “QD” in medication orders stands for:
a) Every day
b) Every week
c) Every month
d) Every hour
Answer: a) Every day

43. The correct action for administering medications to a patient with difficulty swallowing is to:
a) Crush the medication and mix it with a small amount of food, if permitted
b) Administer the medication in liquid form without checking for alternative forms
c) Insert the medication into the patient’s mouth without any aid
d) Skip the medication if the patient has difficulty swallowing
Answer: a) Crush the medication and mix it with a small amount of food, if permitted

44. The purpose of documenting medication administration is to:
a) Provide a legal record and ensure continuity of care
b) Keep track of the patient’s vital signs
c) Monitor the patient’s dietary intake
d) Record the patient’s physical activity
Answer: a) Provide a legal record and ensure continuity of care

45. When administering a medication intranasally, the nurse should:
a) Use a nasal spray or dropper and instruct the patient to inhale through the nose
b) Administer the medication into the mouth and instruct the patient to swallow
c) Use a nebulizer for intranasal medication
d) Apply the medication directly to the outer nostrils
Answer: a) Use a nasal spray or dropper and instruct the patient to inhale through the nose

46. The nurse should verify the medication order and administration details:
a) Before preparing the medication
b) During medication preparation
c) After administering the medication
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above

47. The term “SL” in medication orders stands for:
a) Sublingual
b) Subcutaneous
c) Submucosal
d) Sublingual
Answer: a) Sublingual

48. The correct technique for administering a medication via the vaginal route is to:
a) Insert the medication with the patient in a sitting position
b) Insert the medication with the patient lying on their back
c) Apply the medication directly to the vaginal opening
d) Insert the medication into the rectum for a few seconds and then withdraw
Answer: b) Insert the medication with the patient lying on their back

49. When administering medications via the intrathecal route, the nurse should:
a) Inject the medication into the spinal canal
b) Inject the medication into the subcutaneous tissue
c) Administer the medication into the intravenous line
d) Apply the medication directly to the skin
Answer: a) Inject the medication into the spinal canal

50. The nurse is administering a medication via the transdermal route. Which action should the nurse take?
a) Place the patch on the patient’s chest area
b) Ensure the patch is placed on an area of intact skin
c) Apply the patch over a site of irritation
d) Use a heating pad to increase absorption
Answer: b) Ensure the patch is placed on an area of intact skin

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