Wisconsin Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

How shall an individual resident's supply of drugs be stored in a unit dose system?

1. In a general medication area for all residents

2. In a separate, individually labeled container and then transferred to the nursing station and placed in a locked cabinet or cart

3. In the resident's room

4. On the nurse's desk for easy access

The correct answer is: In a separate, individually labeled container and then transferred to the nursing station and placed in a locked cabinet or cart

In a unit dose system, each resident's supply of drugs should be stored in a separate, individually labeled container. This practice helps ensure accurate medication administration and reduces the risk of medication errors. After being dispensed in individual containers, the drugs should then be transferred to the nursing station and placed in a locked cabinet or cart to maintain security and prevent unauthorized access. Storing the drugs in a general medication area for all residents (Option A), in the resident's room (Option C), or on the nurse's desk (Option D) does not provide the same level of security and individualized care as storing them in separate, labeled containers in a secure location.