FREE CPJE Operations and Quality Assurance Questions and Answers
A patient is prescribed penicillin for a bacterial infection. As you are getting ready to fill the prescription, you notice on the patient's medical record that he is allergic to penicillin. What is the BEST course of action?
Explanation:
When a patient is prescribed a medication they are allergic to, it is crucial to communicate with the prescribing physician to clarify the allergy and discuss alternative treatment options. Calling the physician allows for prompt resolution of the issue and ensures patient safety by avoiding potential adverse reactions. It is essential to confirm the accuracy of the allergy information and obtain guidance on the appropriate course of action for the patient's treatment.
Which of the following would be the MOST APPROPRIATE information to give the parent of a 2-year-old child who is to receive amoxicillin suspension for the treatment of acute otitis media?
Explanation:
Shake well before each dose - this instruction ensures that the medication is evenly distributed and provides accurate dosing for the child, maximizing its effectiveness.
A pharmacist receives a security prescription of Promethazine with codeine from a local medical organization. On the prescription blank, there is the physician's name, address, phone number, and D.E.A and license numbers. The blank contains the physician's assistant signature. What would be the best course of action for the pharmacist?
Explanation:
The pharmacist should return the prescription and request the physician's signature because the prescription was signed by a physician assistant, not the supervising physician. According to most state regulations, prescriptions for controlled substances must be signed by the prescribing physician, not a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Returning the prescription for the physician's signature ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements regarding controlled substances.
What is TJC's role in the context of pharmacy work?
Explanation:
The Joint Commission (TJC) is a nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. While it does not specifically focus on pharmacy legislation, it plays a crucial role in ensuring quality and safety in healthcare settings, including pharmacies. TJC sets standards and evaluates healthcare facilities to promote safe and effective patient care. Pharmacists often work in TJC-accredited institutions, adhering to standards that contribute to patient safety and quality improvement initiatives.
What type of drug is regulated under federal pharmacy laws?
Explanation:
Federal pharmacy laws regulate Schedule II controlled substances. These drugs have a high potential for abuse, are approved for medical use, and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include opioids like oxycodone and stimulants like methylphenidate. Pharmacies must adhere to strict regulations for dispensing, record keeping, and handling of Schedule II drugs to prevent diversion and abuse.
What does it mean when a pharmacy is HIPAA compliant?
Explanation:
HIPAA compliance ensures that pharmacies have implemented measures to safeguard patients' personal health information (PHI). This includes maintaining confidentiality, limiting access to PHI to authorized individuals, ensuring the integrity and security of electronic PHI, and providing patients with rights over their health information. Pharmacies must adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy and maintain trust.
A physician's nurse calls a pharmacist and gives a telephone prescription for testosterone patches. The instructions, dosage and quantity are all accurate and the telephone prescription is reduced to writing. What should a pharmacist do in such a scenario?
Explanation:
In this scenario, the pharmacist should consider confirming the telephone prescription with the physician before filling it. While telephone prescriptions are valid in certain situations, it's important to verify the prescription with the prescribing physician to ensure accuracy and legitimacy. Once the pharmacist confirms the prescription with the physician, they can proceed to fill it in accordance with pharmacy laws and regulations.
Why is HIPAA in place?
Explanation:
HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is in place to ensure the protection, security, and confidentiality of patient health information. It establishes standards for the electronic exchange of health information and mandates safeguards to protect patients' privacy rights. HIPAA aims to safeguard sensitive health data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, enhancing patient trust and confidentiality in healthcare settings.
Name three steps involved in creating an antimicrobial stewardship program for pharmacy quality assurance.
Explanation:
Creating an antimicrobial stewardship program involves implementing policies and practices to optimize antibiotic use, combat antimicrobial resistance, and improve patient outcomes. This includes establishing guidelines for antibiotic prescribing, specifying appropriate dosing regimens, and recommending treatment based on evidence-based guidelines and patient-specific factors. Antimicrobial stewardship programs aim to ensure the effective and judicious use of antibiotics while minimizing the risks of resistance and adverse effects.
Quality assurance programs for pharmacies are directed by _____ and monitored using _____.
Explanation:
Quality assurance programs for pharmacies are directed by standard operating procedures (SOPs), which outline the steps and protocols for various pharmacy operations to ensure consistency and quality. These programs are monitored using audits, which involve systematic reviews and evaluations of pharmacy practices to assess compliance with SOPs, identify areas for improvement, and maintain quality standards. Audits help pharmacies uphold quality assurance and continuously improve their operations.
Which statement demonstrates that a patient understands the risks associated with doxorubicin?
Explanation:
This statement shows an understanding of the teratogenic effects of doxorubicin, indicating awareness of the risks associated with the medication.