Module 5: Medicines Management and Pharmacology
Module 5 assesses the medicines management and pharmacology knowledge required for safe UK nursing practice. Topics include the six rights of medication administration, legal frameworks for medicines, controlled drug storage, checking and administration, patient group directions, non-medical prescribing, pharmacokinetics (ADME), pharmacodynamics, drug receptor theory, therapeutic index, analgesics, antibiotics, cardiovascular and respiratory drugs, types of adverse drug reactions, drug interactions and contraindications, anaphylaxis recognition and emergency management, and medication error reporting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the six rights of medication administration in the NMC CBT?
The six rights of medication administration are: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation. These form the foundation of safe medicines administration and are core to the NMC CBT Medicines Management module.
Is pharmacology tested in the NMC CBT?
Yes. The NMC CBT tests pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion), pharmacodynamics, drug receptor theory, therapeutic index, half-life, and knowledge of common drug classes including analgesics, antibiotics, cardiovascular, respiratory, psychiatric, and diabetic medications.
How are controlled drugs managed under UK law?
Controlled drugs in the UK are governed by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Nurses must follow strict protocols for storage (locked CD cabinet), double-checking, recording in the controlled drugs register, and witnessing administration.
What should a nurse do if they witness anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. The nurse should call for help, administer intramuscular adrenaline (0.5mg of 1:1000 in adults) into the outer thigh, position the patient appropriately (lying flat with legs elevated unless breathing is compromised), monitor airway, breathing, and circulation, and prepare for advanced airway management if needed.