GPhC Patient Safety & Clinical Pharmacy 2

Question 1

What is the STOPP/START tool used for in geriatric pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

Identifying potentially inappropriate prescribing in older patients and medicines that should be started

Answer

STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions) and START (Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment) help identify inappropriate medicines in the elderly and treatments that should be initiated.

Question 2

A patient taking phenytoin complains of dizziness and double vision after a dosage increase. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Phenytoin toxicity — dose-related adverse effects at high plasma concentrations

Answer

Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index and non-linear (zero-order) kinetics. Nystagmus, diplopia, and ataxia are classic signs of toxicity at elevated plasma concentrations.

Question 3

Which drug is used to treat acute anaphylaxis as the first-line emergency treatment?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine) 0.5 mg (1:1000)

Answer

IM adrenaline 0.5 mg (0.5 mL of 1:1000 solution) into the anterolateral thigh is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, reversing bronchospasm, vasodilation, and angioedema.

Question 4

The Beers Criteria is a list of:

Accepted Answer

Medications potentially inappropriate for use in older adults

Answer

The Beers Criteria (American Geriatrics Society) identifies medicines that may be inappropriate or harmful in older adults (≥65) due to adverse effects, drug interactions, or reduced clearance.

Question 5

What is meant by 'medication reconciliation' at hospital discharge?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the discharge prescription reflects intended changes to pre-admission medication, clearly communicating to GP and patient

Answer

Discharge medicines reconciliation ensures intentional medication changes (stopped, started, dose changes) are documented, communicated to GP, and explained to the patient to prevent post-discharge errors.

GPhC Registration Practice Test

GPhC Registration Practice Test

GPhC Patient Safety & Clinical Pharmacy 2