Patient Communication 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 Patient Communication flashcards as text
A patient requests a refill of a benzodiazepine three weeks early. The pharmacist suspects misuse. What is the MOST appropriate first step?
Answer: Have a private, non-judgemental conversation to understand the reason for the early request
A private, empathetic inquiry allows the pharmacist to assess the situation before deciding on the appropriate action.
During counselling, a patient repeatedly interrupts the pharmacist with unrelated questions. The BEST technique to refocus the conversation is:
Answer: Acknowledge the patient's questions and briefly note them, then return to the key counselling point
Acknowledging concerns before refocusing maintains rapport while keeping the counselling structured.
A patient asks whether it is safe to take a herbal supplement alongside their warfarin therapy. The pharmacist should:
Answer: Review the supplement for known warfarin interactions, provide evidence-based information, and recommend follow-up INR monitoring
Many herbal products (e.g., St. John's Wort, ginkgo) significantly alter warfarin's anticoagulant effect.
Which action BEST demonstrates culturally competent patient communication?
Answer: Asking about cultural or religious practices that may affect medication use and adapting counselling accordingly
Culturally competent care involves actively exploring individual patient values and adapting communication to meet those needs.
A patient using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) demonstrates incorrect technique. The pharmacist's BEST response is to:
Answer: Demonstrate correct technique using a placebo inhaler, observe the patient's return demonstration, and provide corrective feedback
Demonstrate-observe-feedback (show-do-review) is the gold standard for inhaler technique education.
A patient who is deaf communicates primarily through American Sign Language (ASL). The pharmacist does not know ASL. The MOST appropriate action is to:
Answer: Arrange for a qualified ASL interpreter and, if unavailable, use a video remote interpreting service
Qualified ASL interpreters or video remote interpreting services ensure accurate medical communication for deaf patients.
Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of motivational interviewing (MI) in pharmacy practice?
Answer: To elicit and strengthen a patient's own motivation and commitment to behaviour change
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, patient-centred approach that helps patients explore and resolve ambivalence about change.