CMT CMT Medication Storage and Handling 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard controlled room temperature range for storing most oral medications?
- 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) (Correct answer)
- 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C)
- 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C)
- 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C)
Correct answer: 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)
Most oral medications should be stored at controlled room temperature between 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C) to maintain potency.
Question 2: Which of the following medications must be stored in the refrigerator?
- Aspirin tablets
- Insulin (Correct answer)
- Multivitamins
- Ibuprofen tablets
Correct answer: Insulin
Insulin must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until opened to preserve its potency.
Question 3: What should a medication technician do with medications that have reached their expiration date?
- Continue using them until supply runs out
- Return them to the pharmacy for proper disposal (Correct answer)
- Store separately for future emergency use
- Flush them down the toilet immediately
Correct answer: Return them to the pharmacy for proper disposal
Expired medications must be returned to the pharmacy or disposed of according to facility policy and DEA guidelines.
Question 4: Where should light-sensitive medications be stored to prevent degradation?
- Near a window for easy access
- In an opaque or dark container away from direct light (Correct answer)
- Under bright fluorescent lighting
- On an open countertop
Correct answer: In an opaque or dark container away from direct light
Light-sensitive medications must be stored in opaque containers or dark areas because light can cause chemical breakdown.
Question 5: Which storage cabinet is required for Schedule II controlled substances?
- Standard unlocked medication cart
- Locked double-key (double-lock) cabinet (Correct answer)
- Open shelf in the nurse's station
- Refrigerator without a lock
Correct answer: Locked double-key (double-lock) cabinet
Schedule II controlled substances must be stored in a locked, double-key cabinet per DEA regulations due to their high abuse potential.
Question 6: What information must be verified on a medication storage label before administration?
- Only the medication name
- Medication name, strength, expiration date, and patient name (Correct answer)
- Only the expiration date
- Only the patient name
Correct answer: Medication name, strength, expiration date, and patient name
Before administration, the label must be verified for name, strength, expiration date, and patient name as part of the rights of medication administration.
CMT CMT Medication Storage and Handling 1
What is the standard controlled room temperature range for storing most oral medications?