Clinical Assessment Methods Flashcards
7 cards from real PEBC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Clinical Assessment Methods flashcards as text
A pharmacist counsels a patient newly prescribed a statin. Which laboratory value should be established as a baseline before initiating therapy?
Answer: Creatine kinase (CK) and liver enzymes (ALT)
Baseline CK and hepatic transaminases (ALT) should be measured before statin initiation to detect pre-existing myopathy or liver disease.
When assessing for signs of dehydration in a pediatric patient, which clinical sign is most reliable?
Answer: Capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds
Prolonged capillary refill time (>2 seconds) is a reliable clinical indicator of dehydration and reduced peripheral perfusion in children.
A pharmacist performing a comprehensive medication review uses the Beers Criteria. This tool is specifically designed to identify:
Answer: Potentially inappropriate medications in older adults (≥65 years)
The Beers Criteria identifies potentially inappropriate medications that carry greater risk than benefit in adults aged 65 and older.
A patient reports taking their antihypertensive medications only on days they 'feel their blood pressure is high.' This pattern indicates:
Answer: Intentional non-adherence based on health beliefs
Taking medications only when symptomatic reflects intentional non-adherence driven by health beliefs, as hypertension is typically asymptomatic.
In clinical assessment documentation, a SOAP note's 'O' section should contain:
Answer: Objective findings including vital signs, lab results, and physical exam findings
The 'O' (Objective) section includes measurable, observable data such as vital signs, laboratory values, and physical examination findings.
A pharmacist identifies that a patient's HbA1c is 9.2%. According to Diabetes Canada guidelines, this value indicates:
Answer: Poor glycemic control requiring medication intensification
HbA1c of 9.2% reflects poor glycemic control; Diabetes Canada targets are generally ≤7.0% for most patients, warranting therapy adjustment.
When a pharmacist observes yellowing of a patient's sclera during a medication review, this finding is termed:
Answer: Jaundice (icterus)
Yellowing of the sclera is called icterus or jaundice and indicates elevated bilirubin levels, warranting investigation of hepatic or hemolytic causes.