NLE Fundamentals of Nursing & the Nursing Process — Medication Administration & Dosage CalculationExam Answer Templates

Marks

1

Topic

Routes of Administration — Parenteral Injections

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T1

Examiner Tip

Examiners award the mark only for the correct numeric angle. The phrase 'bevel up to form a wheal' adds clinical accuracy and may earn bonus credit in extended questions, so always include it as a habit.

Model Answer

The angle of needle insertion for an intradermal (ID) injection is 10 to 15 degrees, with the bevel facing upward, to form a bleb or wheal under the skin.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• State the exact angle with its range (10–15 degrees) [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Writing 45 degrees (angle for subcutaneous) — common confusion between routes
• Writing 90 degrees (angle for intramuscular) — incorrect route
• Omitting the angle entirely and describing only the site

Key Phrases To Include

• 10 to 15 degrees
• intradermal
• bevel up
• bleb or wheal

Marks

2

Topic

Dosage Calculation — Core Formula

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T2

Examiner Tip

Examiners want to see that you can both recall and apply the formula. Always substitute actual numbers into the formula in your example — never just say 'plug in the values.' Show the math explicitly.

Model Answer

The dosage calculation formula used in nursing practice is: Dose to Give = Desired Dose ÷ Dose on Hand × Quantity (D/H × Q). Example: The physician orders 500 mg of amoxicillin. The stock available is 250 mg per capsule. Dose to Give = 500 ÷ 250 × 1 = 2 capsules.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Line 1: State the complete formula with labels (Desired/Have × Quantity) [1 mark]
• Line 2: Apply the formula with a correct worked example showing the numerical substitution and final answer with units [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Writing the formula without labels (just writing D/H × Q with no explanation of what each letter means)
• Giving the formula but computing the example incorrectly
• Forgetting to include the unit (e.g., writing '2' instead of '2 capsules')

Key Phrases To Include

• Desired dose
• Dose on hand
• Quantity
• D/H × Q
• correct unit in answer

Marks

2

Topic

Rights of Medication Administration

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T3

Examiner Tip

The NLE may specify a number (4, 5, 8) — always count before proceeding. The classic Five Rights (Patient, Drug, Dose, Route, Time) are the safest to memorize first, then learn the remaining five for higher-mark items.

Model Answer

Four of the Ten Rights of Medication Administration are: 1. Right Patient — verify using two identifiers (name and birthdate/hospital ID number). 2. Right Drug — check the label against the physician's order. 3. Right Dose — calculate and verify before administration. 4. Right Route — confirm the correct route of administration.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• List 4 distinct rights clearly numbered [2 marks — ½ mark each, or 1 mark per 2 correct rights, depending on item instruction]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Writing the same right twice with different wording (e.g., 'correct patient' and 'right patient')
• Listing fewer than 4 rights when 4 are clearly requested
• Writing vague terms like 'right information' that are not in the accepted list

Key Phrases To Include

• Right Patient
• Right Drug
• Right Dose
• Right Route
• Right Time
• Right Documentation
• Right Reason
• Right Assessment
• Right Response
• Right to Refuse

Marks

3

Topic

IV Therapy — Complications

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T4

Examiner Tip

A comparison table format (even a simple two-row, two-column structure) earns clarity marks and makes it easier for the examiner to see the differentiation. The key distinguishing feature examiners look for is the temperature difference: cool/pale skin = infiltration; warm/red skin = phlebitis.

Model Answer

Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding subcutaneous tissue instead of flowing into the vein. Signs include swelling, coolness, pallor at the site, and absence of blood return. The priority nursing action is to immediately stop the infusion, remove the IV catheter, and elevate the affected limb. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein wall, characterized by redness, warmth, pain along the vein, and a palpable cord at the IV site. The priority nursing action is to discontinue the IV at that site, restart it in a new location, and apply a warm compress to the affected area.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1–2: Define infiltration and list at least 2 signs/symptoms [1 mark]
• Sentence 3: State the specific nursing action for infiltration [½ mark] (may be combined for 1 mark total)
• Sentence 4–5: Define phlebitis and list at least 2 signs/symptoms [1 mark]
• Sentence 6: State the specific nursing action for phlebitis [½ mark] (may be combined for 1 mark total)

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Confusing the signs of infiltration and phlebitis — especially temperature (cool for infiltration, warm for phlebitis)
• Providing the same nursing action for both (e.g., 'apply warm compress to both')
• Describing symptoms without naming a specific nursing intervention
• Not differentiating clearly (writing them in a single paragraph without separating the two conditions)

Key Phrases To Include

• subcutaneous tissue
• no blood return
• swelling/coolness/pallor
• vein inflammation
• redness/warmth/palpable cord
• stop infusion
• discontinue and restart
• warm compress

Marks

3

Topic

Dosage Calculation — IV Flow Rate (gtt/min)

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T5

Examiner Tip

Always convert time to minutes before calculating gtt/min — this is the single most common error in IV flow rate problems. Write the conversion step explicitly even if it seems obvious. Examiners award a process mark for the conversion step alone.

Model Answer

Given: - Total volume = 1,000 mL - Total time = 8 hours = 8 × 60 = 480 minutes - Drop factor = 15 gtt/mL Formula: Flow Rate (gtt/min) = [Total Volume (mL) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL)] ÷ Total Time (minutes) Solution: Flow Rate = (1,000 × 15) ÷ 480 Flow Rate = 15,000 ÷ 480 Flow Rate = 31.25 gtt/min Answer: The flow rate is 31 gtt/min (rounded to the nearest whole drop, since partial drops cannot be administered).

Question Type

numerical

Answer Structure

• Step 1: List all given values with units [½ mark]
• Step 2: Convert time from hours to minutes (8 hr × 60 = 480 min) [½ mark]
• Step 3: Write the complete gtt/min formula [½ mark]
• Step 4: Substitute values and calculate — show all arithmetic [1 mark]
• Step 5: State the final rounded answer with unit (gtt/min) and rationale for rounding [½ mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Forgetting to convert hours to minutes (dividing by 8 instead of 480) — this is the most common error
• Omitting the unit 'gtt/min' in the final answer
• Not rounding and leaving the answer as 31.25 gtt/min without explanation
• Using mL/hr formula instead of gtt/min formula
• Not showing the working steps — may lose partial marks if the final answer is wrong

Key Phrases To Include

• gtt/min
• drop factor
• total volume × drop factor ÷ total time in minutes
• 31 gtt/min
• rounded to nearest whole number
• partial drops cannot be delivered

Marks

3

Topic

Dosage Calculation — Pediatric Weight-Based Dosing

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T6

Examiner Tip

Weight-based pediatric dosing problems always have three steps: convert weight → calculate total daily dose → divide by frequency. If you structure your answer into these three labeled steps, you will earn partial marks even if one arithmetic step has a minor error.

Model Answer

Given: - Child's weight = 44 pounds - Ordered dose = 25 mg/kg/day - Frequency = 3 divided doses (every 8 hours) Step 1: Convert weight from pounds to kilograms. Weight (kg) = 44 ÷ 2.2 = 20 kg Step 2: Calculate the total daily dose. Total daily dose = 25 mg/kg × 20 kg = 500 mg/day Step 3: Calculate the dose per administration (per dose). Dose per administration = 500 mg ÷ 3 = 166.67 mg ≈ 167 mg per dose Answer: The nurse will administer approximately 167 mg of amoxicillin per dose, given every 8 hours.

Question Type

numerical

Answer Structure

• Step 1: Convert pounds to kg using 1 kg = 2.2 lb [1 mark]
• Step 2: Multiply mg/kg by weight in kg to get total daily dose [1 mark]
• Step 3: Divide total daily dose by the number of doses per day [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Not converting pounds to kg before calculating (using 44 as the kg value)
• Calculating the total daily dose but forgetting to divide by the number of doses
• Incorrect conversion factor (using 2.0 or 2.5 instead of 2.2)
• Omitting the unit 'mg' in the final answer

Key Phrases To Include

• 1 kg = 2.2 lb
• convert pounds to kilograms
• mg/kg/day
• total daily dose
• divided doses
• dose per administration
• mg per dose

Marks

2

Topic

Routes of Administration — Intramuscular Injection

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T7

Examiner Tip

The NLE frequently tests IM sites by age. Remember: ventrogluteal = preferred for adults; vastus lateralis = preferred for infants and young children; deltoid = small volumes only (≤1 mL); dorsogluteal = AVOID due to sciatic nerve risk.

Model Answer

The preferred intramuscular (IM) injection site for adults is the ventrogluteal site. It is considered the safest because it is located away from major blood vessels and the sciatic nerve, has a large muscle mass suitable for up to 3 mL, is easily accessible in most patients, and has fewer complications compared to the dorsogluteal site which carries a risk of sciatic nerve injury.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1: Name the correct preferred site — ventrogluteal [1 mark]
• Sentence 2: Give at least 2 reasons why it is the safest [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Answering 'dorsogluteal' — this is the site to AVOID due to sciatic nerve risk
• Answering 'deltoid' — correct for small volumes but not the preferred primary site for all adults
• Naming the site correctly but giving only one rationale when two are expected

Key Phrases To Include

• ventrogluteal
• sciatic nerve
• major blood vessels
• safest for adults
• large muscle mass
• dorsogluteal avoided

Marks

3

Topic

Routes of Administration — Subcutaneous Heparin

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T8

Examiner Tip

The two critical safety points about heparin that examiners always test are: (1) NO aspiration, and (2) NO massage after injection. These are direct opposites of what students might assume from general injection technique. Explicitly state both in your answer with the clinical rationale to maximize marks.

Model Answer

When administering subcutaneous heparin, the nurse should observe the following considerations: 1. Site Selection: Administer in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue, avoiding a 5-cm (2-inch) radius around the umbilicus. Rotate injection sites systematically to prevent tissue damage and lipodystrophy. 2. Technique: Insert the needle at a 45–90 degree angle (depending on the patient's tissue depth) and administer the full dose slowly. Do NOT aspirate before injecting, as aspiration can damage the surrounding tissue and increase the risk of hematoma formation. 3. Post-Injection Care: Do NOT massage the site after injection, as this also increases bruising and hematoma risk. Apply gentle pressure only if needed, without massaging. Monitor the patient for signs of bleeding such as bruising, hematuria, and melena.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Point 1: Correct site selection — abdomen, 5 cm from umbilicus, site rotation [1 mark]
• Point 2: Correct technique — angle 45–90°, NO aspiration [1 mark]
• Point 3: Post-injection care — NO massage, monitor for bleeding [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Stating that aspiration IS required (this is a critical safety error — never aspirate heparin or enoxaparin)
• Stating that massaging the site is acceptable or recommended
• Recommending the thigh or deltoid as primary sites (abdomen is preferred for heparin)
• Not addressing all three components: site, technique, and post-injection care

Key Phrases To Include

• abdomen
• 5 cm from umbilicus
• do NOT aspirate
• do NOT massage
• 45–90 degrees
• rotate sites
• hematoma prevention
• monitor for bleeding

Marks

2

Topic

High-Alert Medications — Insulin

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T9

Examiner Tip

A memory aid you can mention in your answer: 'RN — Regular then NPH.' Examiners appreciate mnemonics when they are used accurately because they demonstrate active clinical learning. Always follow the mnemonic with the rationale to earn both marks.

Model Answer

'Clear before cloudy' is the principle that when mixing two types of insulin in the same syringe, the nurse should draw up the clear (short-acting or regular) insulin first, followed by the cloudy (intermediate-acting, such as NPH) insulin. This sequence is important because drawing the cloudy insulin first can contaminate the clear insulin vial with NPH, altering its rapid-acting properties and potentially compromising blood glucose control in the patient.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1: Define 'clear before cloudy' — regular insulin first, NPH second [1 mark]
• Sentence 2: Explain why the sequence matters — to prevent contamination of the clear insulin vial [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Reversing the order — stating cloudy (NPH) is drawn first
• Identifying clear and cloudy correctly but not explaining why the sequence matters
• Not identifying the specific insulin types (just saying 'two types of insulin')

Key Phrases To Include

• clear before cloudy
• regular insulin first
• NPH second
• contamination
• vial integrity
• alter pharmacokinetic properties

Marks

3

Topic

High-Alert Medications and Safe Practice

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T10

Examiner Tip

Each drug-precaution pair must be specific and clinical. For KCl, the phrase 'never give IV push undiluted' and 'fatal cardiac arrest' are the exact phrases examiners want to see. For opioids, 'assess respiratory rate' and 'naloxone as antidote' are the expected key phrases. Generic answers do not earn full marks.

Model Answer

Three high-alert medications and their specific safety precautions are: 1. Insulin: Use only calibrated insulin syringes to measure the dose; when mixing types, draw regular (clear) insulin before NPH (cloudy); rotate injection sites; and monitor blood glucose levels before and after administration. 2. Concentrated Potassium Chloride (KCl): Never administer IV push undiluted — concentrated KCl must always be diluted and infused slowly via an infusion pump. Undiluted IV KCl can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. 3. Opioids (e.g., morphine, fentanyl): Assess the patient's respiratory rate before every administration; withhold the drug and notify the physician if respirations are below 12 per minute; keep naloxone (Narcan) readily available as the antidote for opioid overdose.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Drug 1 + Specific safety precaution [1 mark]
• Drug 2 + Specific safety precaution [1 mark]
• Drug 3 + Specific safety precaution [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Listing a drug without a specific safety precaution (e.g., 'Insulin — give with care' earns no mark)
• Giving a general precaution that applies to all drugs ('check the five rights') instead of a drug-specific one
• Repeating the same category (e.g., listing morphine and fentanyl as two separate drugs)

Key Phrases To Include

• insulin syringe
• never IV push undiluted KCl
• cardiac arrest risk
• assess respiratory rate before opioids
• naloxone as antidote
• independent double-check
• infusion pump

Marks

1

Topic

High-Alert Medications — Anticoagulants

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T11

Examiner Tip

Antidote pairs are classic NLE items. Memorize: heparin → protamine sulfate (monitor aPTT); warfarin → vitamin K (monitor PT/INR); opioids → naloxone; acetaminophen → N-acetylcysteine. These four pairs appear repeatedly in the NLE.

Model Answer

The antidote for heparin toxicity is protamine sulfate. The laboratory value monitored to assess unfractionated heparin therapy is the activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• State the antidote: protamine sulfate [½ mark] and the laboratory test: aPTT [½ mark] (or award 1 mark if both are correct)

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Confusing the antidote with vitamin K (which is the antidote for warfarin, NOT heparin)
• Stating PT/INR as the monitoring lab for heparin (PT/INR is for warfarin)
• Stating 'naloxone' as the antidote (this is for opioids)

Key Phrases To Include

• protamine sulfate
• aPTT
• activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
• heparin toxicity
• unfractionated heparin

Marks

3

Topic

IV Therapy — Types of IV Fluids and Tonicity

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T12

Examiner Tip

For tonicity questions, always follow this structure: definition → example → direction of fluid shift → clinical use or caution. The fluid shift direction is the most commonly tested concept: hypotonic = into the cells (think: cells 'drink' the fluid); hypertonic = out of the cells (think: cells 'lose' fluid to the bloodstream).

Model Answer

1. Isotonic IV fluids have the same osmolality as blood plasma (approximately 280–310 mOsm/L). They remain primarily in the extracellular fluid compartment, expanding blood volume without causing fluid shifts into or out of cells. Example: 0.9% Normal Saline (NaCl) or Lactated Ringer's solution. Used for fluid replacement, hemorrhage, and surgery. 2. Hypotonic IV fluids have a lower osmolality than plasma. They shift fluid from the bloodstream into the cells, rehydrating dehydrated cells. Example: 0.45% NaCl (Half-Normal Saline). Caution: contraindicated in increased intracranial pressure because cellular swelling can worsen cerebral edema. 3. Hypertonic IV fluids have a higher osmolality than plasma. They pull fluid out of the cells into the vascular space, increasing circulating blood volume. Example: 3% NaCl or D10W. Must be infused slowly and via a pump; monitor for fluid overload and vein irritation.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Isotonic: definition + example + effect on fluid distribution [1 mark]
• Hypotonic: definition + example + effect + clinical caution [1 mark]
• Hypertonic: definition + example + effect + nursing safety note [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Confusing the direction of fluid shift (e.g., stating hypotonic pulls fluid OUT of cells — it does the opposite)
• Using incorrect examples (e.g., calling D5W simply 'isotonic in all circumstances' without noting it becomes hypotonic after dextrose is metabolized)
• Not including an example for each type when the question specifically asks for one
• Omitting clinical effects and only defining the tonicity

Key Phrases To Include

• isotonic
• hypotonic
• hypertonic
• osmolality
• 0.9% NaCl
• Lactated Ringer's
• 0.45% NaCl
• 3% NaCl
• extracellular fluid
• fluid into cells
• fluid out of cells
• cerebral edema risk
• fluid overload

Marks

2

Topic

Rights of Medication Administration — Patient Safety and Professional Accountability

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T13

Examiner Tip

NLE questions on medication safety frequently have a patient questioning a drug. The answer is always: STOP and RE-VERIFY first. Never let a reassurance substitute for actual verification. Referencing RA 9173 specifically — the Philippine Nursing Act — demonstrates your knowledge of professional accountability and typically earns the legal-ethical mark.

Model Answer

The nurse's correct immediate action is to STOP and withhold the medication, then return to the medication record to re-verify the physician's order, the medication label, and the patient's medication administration record (MAR) before proceeding. The nurse should reassure the patient that his or her concern is valid and that verification is being done for safety. Legal-Ethical Basis: Under RA 9173 (Philippine Nursing Act of 2002), a registered nurse is legally accountable for every medication administered. If a patient questions a drug, the nurse is ethically and professionally obligated to confirm its correctness before administration. Giving a medication the patient has questioned without re-verification constitutes a potential medication error and violates the nurse's duty to provide safe, competent care. Additionally, the Right to Refuse (one of the Ten Rights) supports the patient's active participation in their care.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1–2: State the immediate action — STOP, withhold, re-verify against the order/MAR [1 mark]
• Sentence 3–4: State the legal-ethical basis referencing RA 9173 and nursing accountability [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Answering that the nurse should 'reassure the patient and give the medication anyway' — this is a serious clinical and ethical error
• Not mentioning re-verification specifically — just saying 'check' is too vague
• Not referencing RA 9173 or any legal-ethical framework when the question explicitly asks for it

Key Phrases To Include

• stop and withhold
• re-verify
• medication administration record
• physician's order
• RA 9173
• professional accountability
• right to refuse
• patient safety

Marks

5

Topic

IV Therapy Complications — Application of the Nursing Process

Difficulty

hard

Template Id

T14

Examiner Tip

For 5-mark case study questions, examiners use a standardized marking rubric. Each component (diagnosis, interventions, outcome) is scored independently, so even if you identify the wrong condition, you can still earn marks for the interventions and outcome IF they are internally consistent with your stated diagnosis. Always use the full NANDA three-part format and always include the rationale for every intervention — rationale marks are the ones students most often miss.

Model Answer

Assessment Data Analysis: The patient presents with redness, warmth, pain, swelling, and a palpable cord at the IV site — classic signs of phlebitis (vein inflammation), NOT infiltration (which would present with coolness and pallor). Priority NANDA Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Tissue Integrity related to chemical/mechanical irritation of the vein wall secondary to peripheral IV catheter as evidenced by redness, warmth, pain, swelling, and palpable cord at the IV site. Nursing Interventions with Rationale: 1. Immediately discontinue the IV infusion and remove the peripheral IV catheter from the affected site, then restart IV access at a new, alternate site (preferably the opposite extremity). Rationale: Continued infusion through a phlebitic vein causes further vein wall damage, increases infection risk, and prolongs patient discomfort. Prompt removal eliminates the source of irritation in accordance with evidence-based IV therapy standards. 2. Apply a warm, moist compress to the affected site for 20 minutes, 3–4 times daily, as prescribed. Rationale: Warm compresses promote local vasodilation, increase blood flow to the area, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. This is the accepted non-pharmacologic nursing comfort measure for phlebitis. Expected Outcome (within 24–48 hours): The patient will demonstrate resolution of redness, warmth, and pain at the former IV site, as evidenced by absent or significantly reduced signs of vein inflammation, verbalization of comfort, and intact skin integrity at both the discontinued site and the new IV access site.

Question Type

case_study

Answer Structure

• Paragraph 1: Brief analysis of the clinical data to identify the complication (phlebitis) [½ mark]
• Nursing Diagnosis: Full NANDA format — problem + related to + as evidenced by [1 mark]
• Intervention 1: Specific action + clinical rationale [1 mark]
• Intervention 2: Specific action + clinical rationale [1 mark]
• Expected Outcome: SMART — specific, measurable, time-bound, patient-centered [1 mark]
• Overall organization, use of nursing process (ADPIE), and clinical accuracy [½ mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Diagnosing infiltration instead of phlebitis — misreading the clinical cues (redness and warmth = phlebitis; coolness and pallor = infiltration)
• Writing an incomplete NANDA diagnosis (missing 'related to' or 'as evidenced by' components)
• Providing interventions without rationale — the rationale is what earns the second part of each intervention mark
• Writing a vague expected outcome like 'patient will feel better' — must be specific and measurable
• Applying a cold compress to phlebitis — warm compress is correct for phlebitis; cold may be used for infiltration

Key Phrases To Include

• phlebitis
• Impaired Tissue Integrity
• related to
• as evidenced by
• discontinue IV
• restart at new site
• warm compress
• vasodilation
• resolution of inflammation
• SMART outcome
• palpable cord

Marks

2

Topic

Safe Medication Practice — Documentation and Error Prevention

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T15

Examiner Tip

Documentation safety questions reward students who connect the rule to the clinical consequence. Don't just say 'use a leading zero' — say 'use a leading zero because omitting it can cause a tenfold dosing error.' The phrase 'tenfold error' or '10× overdose' is a key phrase examiners specifically look for in answers about safe abbreviations and documentation.

Model Answer

A leading zero is a zero placed BEFORE the decimal point for values less than one (e.g., write 0.5 mg, NOT .5 mg). It is required because omitting the leading zero can cause the decimal point to be missed, potentially leading a nurse or pharmacist to read 0.5 mg as 5 mg — a tenfold dosing error. A trailing zero is a zero placed AFTER the decimal point in whole-number doses (e.g., writing 5.0 mg instead of simply 5 mg). It must be avoided because the trailing zero can cause the reader to overlook the decimal point and interpret 5.0 mg as 50 mg — again, a tenfold overdose risk. Example of correct practice: Write 0.5 mg (leading zero — correct) and 5 mg (no trailing zero — correct), NOT .5 mg and NOT 5.0 mg.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1–2: Define leading zero, give the correct example, and explain the safety rationale [1 mark]
• Sentence 3–4: Define trailing zero, give the incorrect and correct example, and explain the safety rationale [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Confusing the two rules — stating trailing zeros are required or leading zeros should be avoided
• Not providing an example for each rule when the question requests one
• Stating the rule without explaining why it matters clinically (no safety rationale mentioned)

Key Phrases To Include

• leading zero
• trailing zero
• 0.5 mg not .5 mg
• 5 mg not 5.0 mg
• tenfold dosing error
• decimal point misread
• medication safety
• safe documentation