NAPLEX QBANK Patient Counseling and Education Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 72-year-old patient is starting apixaban for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. When counseling the patient, which of the following points is MOST critical to emphasize?

Accepted Answer

To seek immediate medical attention for signs of major bleeding, such as red or black tarry stools.

Answer

Take the medication at the same times each day to maintain consistent blood levels.

Answer

Avoid co-administration with NSAIDs like ibuprofen without consulting a provider.

Answer

Do not stop taking the medication abruptly as this can increase the risk of stroke.

Question 2

When counseling a patient on the proper use of a new albuterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI), which of the following steps is most frequently performed incorrectly by patients and should be a point of emphasis?

Accepted Answer

Not coordinating a slow, deep breath with pressing the canister.

Answer

Forgetting to wash the plastic actuator weekly.

Answer

Failing to shake the inhaler well before each use.

Answer

Neglecting to rinse their mouth out with water after use.

Question 3

A pharmacist is counseling a 19-year-old female patient who is picking up her first prescription for isotretinoin. According to the iPLEDGE REMS program, which of the following is an absolute requirement that must be communicated?

Accepted Answer

The patient must use two forms of effective contraception simultaneously or commit to continuous abstinence.

Answer

The patient must report any signs of depression or mood changes immediately.

Answer

The patient must not donate blood during therapy and for one month after stopping.

Answer

The patient should avoid excessive sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Question 4

A pharmacist is explaining a new, complex insulin regimen to an elderly patient who appears to be nodding along but seems hesitant. Which of the following is the BEST approach to confirm the patient's understanding?

Accepted Answer

Say, "Just to be sure I did a good job explaining, can you tell me in your own words how you will take your insulin?"

Answer

Ask the patient, "Do you have any questions about these instructions?"

Answer

Provide the patient with a large-print handout that reviews all the steps.

Answer

Ask a family member to come in to ensure the instructions are followed correctly.

Question 5

A patient is prescribed alendronate 70 mg weekly. Which statement represents the most accurate and critical counseling instruction for administering this medication?

Accepted Answer

Take the tablet first thing in the morning with at least 6 ounces of plain water, and do not lie down for at least 30 minutes.

Answer

Take the tablet with a full glass of milk to prevent stomach upset and remain upright for at least 15 minutes.

Answer

Take the tablet at bedtime with 8 ounces of plain water to ensure it is absorbed overnight.

Answer

Take the tablet with your breakfast and a cup of coffee to make it easier to remember.

Question 6

While reviewing a patient's profile, a pharmacist notices that a 45-year-old male with hypertension has been refilling his lisinopril prescription every 40-45 days, despite it being a 30-day supply. What is the most appropriate initial action for the pharmacist to take?

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient in a non-judgmental, open-ended way, "I noticed it's been a little while since your last refill, how have you been taking your medication?"

Answer

Call the prescriber to report the patient's non-adherence.

Answer

Refuse to refill the prescription until the patient explains the delay.

Answer

Inform the patient that his blood pressure will not be controlled if he continues this pattern.

A 72-year-old patient is starting apixaban for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.When counseling the patient, which of the following points is MOST critical to emphasize?

A 72-year-old patient is starting apixaban for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
When counseling the patient, which of the following points is MOST critical to emphasize?