PEBC Patient Communication 4

Question 1

A patient requests a refill of a benzodiazepine three weeks early. The pharmacist suspects misuse. What is the MOST appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Have a private, non-judgemental conversation to understand the reason for the early request

Answer

A private, empathetic inquiry allows the pharmacist to assess the situation before deciding on the appropriate action.

Question 2

During counselling, a patient repeatedly interrupts the pharmacist with unrelated questions. The BEST technique to refocus the conversation is:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the patient's questions and briefly note them, then return to the key counselling point

Answer

Acknowledging concerns before refocusing maintains rapport while keeping the counselling structured.

Question 3

A patient asks whether it is safe to take a herbal supplement alongside their warfarin therapy. The pharmacist should:

Accepted Answer

Review the supplement for known warfarin interactions, provide evidence-based information, and recommend follow-up INR monitoring

Answer

Many herbal products (e.g., St. John's Wort, ginkgo) significantly alter warfarin's anticoagulant effect.

Question 4

Which action BEST demonstrates culturally competent patient communication?

Accepted Answer

Asking about cultural or religious practices that may affect medication use and adapting counselling accordingly

Answer

Culturally competent care involves actively exploring individual patient values and adapting communication to meet those needs.

Question 5

A patient using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) demonstrates incorrect technique. The pharmacist's BEST response is to:

Accepted Answer

Demonstrate correct technique using a placebo inhaler, observe the patient's return demonstration, and provide corrective feedback

Answer

Demonstrate-observe-feedback (show-do-review) is the gold standard for inhaler technique education.

PEBC - Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Practice Test