According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), which of the following drug classes is considered high-alert in a community pharmacy setting?

Rationale

Injectable insulins

According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), **injectable insulins** are considered a high-alert medication class in community pharmacy settings. High-alert medications are those that have a higher risk of causing significant patient harm if used in error. Insulin errors—such as incorrect dosing, product selection, or administration—can result in severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, making careful handling essential.

A (Otic suspensions) YOUR ANSWER

This is incorrect. Otic (ear) medications are low-risk and not classified as high-alert by ISMP because errors with these products rarely cause serious patient harm.

B (Oral antibiotic tablets) YOUR ANSWER

This is incorrect. Although antibiotics require appropriate use to prevent resistance and adverse effects, they are not classified as high-alert medications in community pharmacy practice.

C (Transdermal patches) YOUR ANSWER

This is incorrect. While some transdermal medications, such as certain opioids, can be high-risk, the class as a whole is not broadly designated as high-alert in the ISMP community pharmacy list.

D (Injectable insulins) CORRECT

This is correct. Insulins are a well-known high-alert drug class due to their narrow therapeutic index and the serious consequences of dosing errors.

Conclusion

High-alert medications require extra precautions to minimize the risk of patient harm. Injectable insulins are classified as high-alert in community pharmacies, highlighting the importance of careful dispensing, verification, and patient counseling.

According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), which of the following drug classes is considered high-alert in a community pharmacy setting?

Injectable insulins

Related Questions

Related Quizzes

How familiar were you with this question?

Report an Issue

Rate this Practice Test