PEBC Drug Information and Literature Evaluation

Question 1

A pharmacist is evaluating a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing a new antihypertensive to placebo. The study reports a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 40%, but the absolute risk reduction (ARR) is only 2%. Which statement best interprets these findings?

Accepted Answer

The ARR is more clinically meaningful because it reflects the actual magnitude of benefit in the population studied

Answer

The ARR (2%) reflects the true absolute difference in event rates between groups, giving the number needed to treat (NNT = 50). RRR can appear impressive even when baseline risk is low, making ARR and NNT the preferred measures of clinical significance.

Question 2

Which type of drug information resource is considered a primary literature source?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed clinical trial published in NEJM

Answer

Primary literature consists of original research published in peer-reviewed journals (e.g., clinical trials, case reports). The CPS and Lexi-Comp are tertiary sources; textbook chapters are also tertiary sources that synthesize existing data.

Question 3

In a clinical trial, a p-value of 0.03 is reported for the primary endpoint. Which interpretation is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

If the null hypothesis were true, there is a 3% probability of obtaining results at least this extreme by chance

Answer

A p-value represents the probability of observing results as extreme as those obtained (or more extreme) assuming the null hypothesis is true. It does not directly represent the probability of efficacy or the chance of error.

Question 4

A pharmacist needs to quickly verify whether two IV medications are physically compatible in the same bag. Which resource is MOST appropriate for this specific query?

Accepted Answer

Trissel's Handbook on Injectable Drugs

Answer

Trissel's Handbook on Injectable Drugs (published by ASHP) is the primary reference for IV drug compatibility, stability, and admixture information. The CPS provides product monographs but not systematic compatibility data.

Question 5

Which study design provides the highest level of evidence when evaluating the efficacy of a pharmacological intervention?

Accepted Answer

A systematic review with meta-analysis of multiple RCTs

Answer

Systematic reviews with meta-analysis sit at the top of the evidence hierarchy because they pool data from multiple RCTs, increasing statistical power and reducing individual study bias. A single RCT ranks below this pooled analysis.

PEBC - Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Practice Test

PEBC - Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Practice Test

PEBC Drug Information and Literature Evaluation