Patient Counselling Flashcards

What is the most effective technique a pharmacist can use to confirm a patient understands medication instructions?

Answer: Teach-back method: asking the patient to repeat the instructions in their own words

The teach-back method requires the patient to explain instructions in their own words, allowing the pharmacist to identify and correct misunderstandings and confirm genuine understanding.

A patient is prescribed metronidazole. What is the most important counselling point?

Answer: Avoid all alcohol during and for 48 hours after the course to prevent a disulfiram-like reaction

Metronidazole inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase; alcohol consumption causes accumulation of acetaldehyde, resulting in a disulfiram-like reaction with flushing, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension.

When counselling a patient on a new inhaler technique for asthma, what should be the pharmacist's approach?

Answer: Demonstrate the technique, have the patient practise it, and observe and correct their technique

Demonstrating inhaler technique, requesting patient practice, and observing and correcting performance is the evidence-based approach that ensures correct technique and optimal drug delivery.

A patient on warfarin asks if they can take aspirin for a headache. What is the pharmacist's advice?

Answer: Avoid aspirin; use paracetamol instead as it has fewer interactions with warfarin and does not increase bleeding risk when used short-term at standard doses

Aspirin has antiplatelet effects and can displace warfarin from protein binding, significantly increasing bleeding risk; paracetamol is the safer short-term analgesic option.

Which information is essential to include when counselling a patient on a new antibiotic prescription?

Answer: Complete the full course even if symptoms improve, take at the correct times, and watch for allergic reactions

Completing the full antibiotic course prevents recurrence and resistance; correct timing maintains therapeutic levels; knowing allergy signs allows early intervention if a reaction occurs.

What is the pharmacist's role in medication therapy management (MTM) for a patient with multiple chronic conditions?

Answer: Review all medications for appropriateness, efficacy, safety, and adherence; identify and resolve drug therapy problems

MTM requires the pharmacist to comprehensively review the patient's complete medication regimen, identify problems such as interactions, duplications, or adherence barriers, and collaborate with prescribers to optimise therapy.