NCLEX/ATI/HESI Exam Bank: Medication Administration, Dosage Accuracy & Safe Nursing Practice

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Comprehensive Exam Bank on Nursing Medication Administration
and Safety: Dosage Accuracy, Error Prevention, and Pharmacologic
Best Practices




Table of Contents

Topic 1: Core Principles of Safe Medication Administration (Questions 1–20). .2
Topic 2: Dosage Calculations and Mathematical Competency in Medication
Administration (Questions 21–40)....................................................................8
Topic 3: High-Alert Medications and Risk Mitigation Strategies (Questions 41–
60).................................................................................................................14
Topic 4: Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Aspects of Medication Administration
(Questions 61–80)..........................................................................................20
Topic 5: Pharmacologic Classifications and Drug Interactions (Questions 81–
100)...............................................................................................................26
Topic 6: Patient Education, Compliance, and Health Literacy in Medication
Safety (Questions 101–120)...........................................................................32
Topic 7: Medication Administration in Special Populations – Pediatrics,
Geriatrics, and Pregnancy (Questions 121–140)............................................38
Topic 8: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Medication Administration
(Questions 141–160)......................................................................................44
Topic 9: High-Alert and Hazardous Medications: Safety Strategies and Nursing
Interventions (Questions 161–180)................................................................50
Topic 10: Technology, Innovations, and Safety Systems in Medication
Administration (Questions 181–200)..............................................................57

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Topic 1: Core Principles of Safe
Medication Administration (Questions 1–
20)

1. Which of the following is the most critical step in preventing
medication errors at the point of administration?
A. Asking the patient if the medication looks familiar
B. Relying on memory to determine medication dose
C. Adhering to the “Five Rights” of medication administration
D. Administering medications quickly to prevent delays

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The “Five Rights” (right patient, right drug, right dose, right
route, and right time) form the foundation of safe medication administration,
minimizing the risk of errors.



2. A nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous insulin
injection. What is the appropriate angle for insertion?
A. 15 degrees
B. 45 to 90 degrees
C. 120 degrees
D. 75 degrees

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subcutaneous injections are typically given at 45 to 90 degrees
depending on the patient’s body mass and needle length, ensuring proper
absorption.



3. What should the nurse do first upon discovering a medication
error?
A. Report it to the family
B. Assess the patient’s condition
C. Notify the pharmacy
D. Fill out an incident report

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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patient safety is the priority. Assessing the patient ensures that
adverse effects can be identified and managed promptly.



4. Which action by a nurse demonstrates proper technique in
reducing contamination while preparing oral medications?
A. Pouring tablets into the cap before placing them into a medicine
cup
B. Touching the tablets directly with gloved hands
C. Crushing all medications regardless of form
D. Mixing medications together in the same cup

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pouring into the cap minimizes contamination by avoiding direct
contact, maintaining hygiene and safety.



5. A patient is prescribed 2.5 mL of a liquid medication. What is the
best method for administration?
A. Use a household teaspoon
B. Estimate using a cup
C. Use an oral syringe calibrated in mL
D. Dilute the medication in a full glass of water

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An oral syringe provides the most accurate measurement for
small volumes, reducing dosing errors.



6. Which statement about medication reconciliation is correct?
A. It is only necessary during hospital discharge
B. It involves verifying all current medications during care
transitions
C. It is the pharmacist’s responsibility only
D. It replaces the need for electronic medical records

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Medication reconciliation helps identify discrepancies by
reviewing all medications the patient is taking during transitions in care,
enhancing safety.

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7. When administering eye drops, where should the nurse instill the
medication?
A. Directly on the cornea
B. Into the conjunctival sac
C. In the inner canthus
D. On the eyelid

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Instilling drops into the conjunctival sac reduces the risk of
corneal irritation and ensures proper absorption.



8. A nurse is unsure about the dosage written on a provider's
medication order. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Call the provider to clarify the order
B. Administer the medication as interpreted
C. Ask another nurse to confirm the order
D. Delay the medication for the next shift

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clarification is essential when there is doubt to prevent
medication errors and ensure safe care.



9. Which patient would be at greatest risk for medication toxicity?
A. A patient with a sprained ankle
B. A patient taking herbal supplements
C. A patient with impaired liver function
D. A patient with high pain tolerance

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The liver is vital for metabolizing drugs. Impaired liver function
may lead to accumulation and toxicity.



10. Which needle gauge is appropriate for intramuscular injection in
an adult?
A. 30-gauge
B. 22-gauge