Controlled Substances: Handling and Dispensing in Healthcare

Question 1

In the UK, what type of prescription is necessary for Schedule 2 controlled drugs?

Accepted Answer

Controlled Drug prescription (CD)

Answer

FP10 prescription

Answer

NHS prescription

Answer

Private prescription

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Limited or no therapeutic value

Answer

High potential for misuse

Answer

Potential to cause physical or psychological dependence

Answer

Subject to strict regulations

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a controlled drug classification in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Class D

Answer

Class A

Answer

Class B

Answer

Class C

Question 4

What is the key difference between a prescription-only medicine (POM) and a pharmacy (P) medicine?

Accepted Answer

POMs must be dispensed by a pharmacist, while Ps can be sold by other retailers

Answer

POMs are more potent than Ps

Answer

POMs have more side effects than Ps

Answer

There is no difference between POMs and Ps

Question 5

To safeguard controlled substances in a healthcare setting, which measure is essential?

Accepted Answer

Secure storage in a temperature-controlled cabinet

Answer

Unsecured storage on open shelves

Answer

Unauthorized access by multiple individuals

Answer

Refrigerated storage without documentation

Question 6

Which of the following methods is NOT recommended for disposing of controlled substances in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

Flushing down the toilet

Answer

Incineration

Answer

Returning to the pharmacy

Question 7

Which of the following is a legal obligation for the safe storage of controlled substances in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Keeping them in a locked cabinet that meets industry standards

Answer

Storing them in a refrigerator unless otherwise specified by manufacturer guidelines

Answer

Maintaining a temperature-controlled environment as per manufacturer recommendations

Answer

Assigning a dedicated individual with the sole responsibility for maintaining security

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a controlled substance classification category in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Class E

Answer

Class A

Answer

Class B

Answer

Class C

Question 9

In a healthcare setting, what are the key principles for accurate dispensing and administration of controlled drugs?

Accepted Answer

Confirm patient identity, maintain records, and use two-person verification.

Answer

Secure controlled substances and keep a key register.

Answer

Record time, quantity, and patient signature for each controlled drug dispensed.

Question 10

What is a crucial step when safely disposing of controlled substances in a healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

Separating controlled substances from other waste

Accepted Answer

Recording the disposal process

Accepted Answer

Using a certified waste disposal service

Answer

Flushing controlled substances down the drain

Question 11

Why is it essential to conduct a risk assessment prior to administering a controlled substance to a patient?

Accepted Answer

To identify potential adverse effects and interactions

Answer

To ensure the patient is fully informed about the medication

Answer

To obtain consent from the patient's legal guardian

Answer

To determine the exact dosage of the substance

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental requirement for the secure storage of controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

24-hour camera surveillance of the storage area

Answer

Locked cabinet with restricted access

Answer

Separate inventory record for accurate tracking

Answer

Environment maintained at optimal temperature and humidity

Question 13

Upon suspecting the diversion of a controlled substance, what is the appropriate course of action for a healthcare professional?

Accepted Answer

Document the incident and promptly report it to the relevant authorities.

Answer

Directly confront the suspected individual without involving others.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality to preserve the patient-clinician relationship.

Answer

Increase medication audits and monitoring without raising concerns.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of healthcare professionals in preventing diversion and misuse of controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Turning a blind eye to potential diversion

Answer

Reporting suspicious activities

Answer

Storing controlled substances securely

Question 15

Which of the following is a legal requirement for the secure storage of controlled substances in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Stored in a locked cabinet, safe, or controlled access cupboard

Answer

Stored in a refrigerator

Answer

Stored in a secure, but unlocked, location

Answer

Kept on open shelves

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a controlled drug register?

Accepted Answer

To document all transactions involving controlled substances, including receipts, issues, and destruction.

Answer

To list all staff members authorized to handle controlled substances

Answer

To provide a record of patient medication administration

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a controlled substance schedule in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Schedule E

Answer

Schedule 4

Answer

Schedule 2

Answer

Schedule 1

Question 18

Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that controlled substances are used in accordance with the prescription?

Accepted Answer

The healthcare professional administering the medication

Answer

The patient

Answer

The pharmacist

Question 19

What is the purpose of obtaining a patient's consent before administering controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

To obtain the patient's informed agreement to the use of the medication, including its potential risks and benefits.

Answer

To document the patient's allergies

Answer

To record the patient's medical history

Question 20

What is the role of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the production, supply, and use of controlled substances, including their classification into different schedules.

Answer

To establish sentencing guidelines for controlled substance offenses

Answer

To provide guidance on the safe storage and handling of controlled substances

Question 21

When storing controlled substances in a healthcare setting, which of the following requirements ensures their security?

Accepted Answer

Double-locked cabinet accessible only to authorized personnel

Answer

Drawer in an unlocked desk

Answer

Refrigerator with no security features

Answer

Open shelf with no access restrictions

Question 22

As per the Misuse of Drugs Act, which type of documentation is mandatory when dispensing controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Controlled Drug Prescription

Answer

Standard Medication Chart

Answer

Nursing Care Plan

Answer

Discharge Summary

Question 23

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a Controlled Drugs Register?

Accepted Answer

To accurately record the receipt, storage, and disposal of all controlled substances

Answer

To document staff training and qualifications

Answer

To track patient medication administration

Question 24

Who bears the primary responsibility for ensuring that controlled substances are dispensed strictly in accordance with the prescription?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacist or another authorized healthcare professional

Answer

Nurse

Answer

Doctor

Question 25

What is the maximum penalty for possessing a Class A controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Life imprisonment

Answer

2 years imprisonment

Answer

10 years imprisonment

Answer

5 years imprisonment

Question 26

If a healthcare professional suspects a patient is misusing prescription medication, what is the appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Refer the patient to a qualified medical professional for evaluation

Answer

Ignore the issue

Answer

Confiscate the medication from the patient

Question 27

Which government body in the UK is responsible for regulating controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Home Office

Answer

Food and Drug Administration

Answer

National Health Service

Answer

Department of Health

Question 28

What is the main difference between a Class A and a Class C controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Class A drugs pose a higher risk of harm and have a greater potential for abuse and addiction

Answer

Class A drugs are legal for recreational use

Answer

Class C drugs are only available with a prescription