GPhC Patient Safety & Clinical Pharmacy 3

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'medication use evaluation' (MUE) or drug use review in clinical pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

To systematically assess prescribing patterns to identify areas for improvement in drug therapy

Answer

MUE/drug use review is a structured, ongoing programme assessing whether medicines are being prescribed, dispensed, and administered appropriately, safely, and cost-effectively.

Question 2

A patient on spironolactone and an ACE inhibitor develops muscle weakness. What electrolyte abnormality is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalaemia

Answer

Both spironolactone (potassium-sparing diuretic) and ACE inhibitors increase serum potassium. Combination therapy can cause dangerous hyperkalaemia, manifesting as muscle weakness or arrhythmias.

Question 3

Which antibiotic class should be avoided in children under 12 years due to effects on developing joints?

Accepted Answer

Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin)

Answer

Fluoroquinolones can damage developing cartilage in children and adolescents, causing arthropathy. They are generally avoided in children under 18 unless no safer alternative exists.

Question 4

What is the primary concern when prescribing NSAIDs to an elderly patient with chronic kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Worsening renal function due to prostaglandin inhibition reducing renal blood flow

Answer

NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins that maintain renal vasodilation in patients with CKD. This can precipitate acute-on-chronic kidney injury, especially in elderly patients with reduced renal reserve.

Question 5

What is a 'high-alert medication' in patient safety terms?

Accepted Answer

A medicine that bears a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error

Answer

High-alert medications (e.g., insulin, anticoagulants, concentrated electrolytes) require special safeguards because errors in their use are more likely to cause serious or fatal patient harm.

GPhC Registration Practice Test

GPhC Registration Practice Test

GPhC Patient Safety & Clinical Pharmacy 3