BCACP Patient Adherence and Education 2

Question 1

A patient with type 2 diabetes reports skipping insulin doses because injections are painful. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to improve adherence?

Accepted Answer

Educate on proper injection technique and offer shorter, thinner needle options

Answer

Switch to an oral agent regardless of glycemic control

Answer

Discontinue insulin and monitor with diet alone

Answer

Increase the insulin dose to compensate for missed doses

Question 2

Which validated tool is commonly used to assess medication adherence in ambulatory care patients?

Accepted Answer

Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8)

Answer

PHQ-9

Answer

CAGE questionnaire

Answer

GAD-7

Question 3

A pharmacist is counseling a patient with hypertension who has poor adherence due to forgetfulness. What is the BEST strategy?

Accepted Answer

Recommend once-daily dosing formulations and link medication to a daily routine

Answer

Add a second antihypertensive agent

Answer

Refer the patient to a cardiologist immediately

Answer

Reduce the dose to minimize side effects the patient may be anticipating

Question 4

Which concept in health behavior theory suggests that a patient's belief in their ability to successfully take medication predicts adherence?

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy from social cognitive theory

Answer

Health belief model's perceived susceptibility

Answer

Stages of change — contemplation stage

Answer

Theory of planned behavior's subjective norms

Question 5

A patient states, 'I stop taking my blood pressure pill when I feel fine.' This reflects which adherence barrier?

Accepted Answer

Lack of symptom perception for a chronic asymptomatic condition

Answer

Financial constraint

Answer

Medication side effects

Answer

Polypharmacy confusion

Question 6

Which literacy-appropriate strategy is recommended when providing written medication education to low health literacy patients?

Accepted Answer

Write at a 6th-grade reading level using plain language and visuals

Answer

Use medical jargon for precision

Answer

Provide a lengthy detailed pharmacology explanation

Answer

Use only verbal counseling without written materials

Question 7

A pharmacist uses the teach-back method after counseling a patient. What is the PRIMARY purpose of teach-back?

Accepted Answer

To verify patient understanding by asking them to restate information in their own words

Answer

To test the patient's memory retention as a quiz

Answer

To document that education was provided for billing purposes

Answer

To identify patients who need referral to a specialist