Arizona MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

When must medication orders be verified in a hospital setting?

1. Before administration

2. Every 8 hours

3. Within 6 hours of administration

4. Within 4 hours of reopening if in an emergency or pharmacy is closed

The correct answer is: Before administration

In a hospital setting, medication orders must be verified before administration to ensure patient safety and effective therapy. This verification process typically involves a pharmacist reviewing the order to confirm its appropriateness based on the patient's condition, relevant lab results, potential drug interactions, allergies, and dosages. The focus on reviewing medication orders before they are given to patients helps to prevent medication errors, including wrong drug, wrong dose, or wrong timing administration. While there are protocols regarding the frequency of medication order reviews and handling of orders during specific circumstances, the critical moment where verification directly impacts patient safety is prior to administration. Thus, the emphasis is placed on making sure the order is correct and appropriate before the medication reaches the patient, which is fundamental to safe medication practices in healthcare settings.