PEBC Medical Ethics and Law 4

Question 1

A prescriber instructs a pharmacist via phone to dispense a controlled substance. Under most provincial regulations, the pharmacist must:

Accepted Answer

Obtain a written or faxed prescription within the regulated timeframe

Answer

Most provinces permit emergency verbal orders for controlled substances but require written confirmation within a specified period.

Question 2

The ethical principle of non-maleficence in pharmacy practice is best illustrated by:

Accepted Answer

Screening for drug interactions before dispensing

Answer

Non-maleficence — 'do no harm' — is demonstrated by proactively identifying and preventing harm such as drug interactions.

Question 3

A pharmacy student on rotation witnesses a preceptor pharmacist dispensing without completing a required counselling step. The student's best course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Raise the concern with the preceptor privately, then escalate if needed

Answer

Professional responsibility requires addressing observed safety issues directly and respectfully before escalating through formal channels.

Question 4

Under Canadian privacy law, which of the following is a valid reason to disclose patient information without consent?

Accepted Answer

A law enforcement officer presents a valid court order

Answer

A valid court order or subpoena is a legally recognized basis for disclosing patient information without prior consent.

Question 5

A patient wants to purchase a large quantity of pseudoephedrine. The pharmacist's obligation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) is to:

Accepted Answer

Follow sale limits, record the transaction, and refuse if diversion is suspected

Answer

The CDSA and provincial regulations limit pseudoephedrine sales, require records, and allow pharmacists to refuse sales suspected for illicit manufacture.

PEBC - Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Practice Test

PEBC - Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Practice Test

PEBC Medical Ethics and Law 4