Pharmacy Ethics in Pharmacy 3

Question 1

A pharmacist fills a prescription for a drug the patient is clearly allergic to. The prescriber says 'just fill it, I know what I'm doing.' What should the pharmacist do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to fill and document the clinical reason, contacting the prescriber to discuss a safe alternative

Answer

Fill it — the prescriber bears sole responsibility

Answer

Fill it but warn the patient verbally

Answer

Transfer the prescription to another pharmacy

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'conscientious objection' in pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

Declining to dispense a legal medication due to personal moral or religious beliefs

Answer

Refusing to fill any controlled substances

Answer

Objecting to a patient's lifestyle choices during counseling

Answer

Refusing to work overtime shifts

Question 3

When a pharmacist exercises conscientious objection, what is their primary ethical obligation to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient can access the medication through another provider or referral

Answer

No obligation — their personal beliefs override patient needs

Answer

Lecture the patient on why the medication is morally wrong

Answer

Report the patient to the prescriber

Question 4

A pharmacist discovers that a colleague is diverting controlled substances for personal use. The most ethical course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Report to pharmacy management and the state board of pharmacy

Answer

Cover for the colleague to protect their career

Answer

Confront the colleague privately and give them a chance to stop

Answer

Only act if patient harm has already occurred

Question 5

The concept of 'pharmaceutical care' ethically shifts the pharmacist's role to:

Accepted Answer

Taking responsibility for patient drug therapy outcomes

Answer

Focusing solely on accurate dispensing of medications

Answer

Maximizing pharmacy revenue through high prescription volume

Answer

Deferring all clinical decisions to physicians

Question 6

A patient's legal guardian requests medication information about an adult patient who has been declared incompetent. The pharmacist should:

Accepted Answer

Verify legal guardianship documentation before sharing protected health information

Answer

Refuse all requests from third parties

Answer

Share information freely since family members always have access

Answer

Require a court order before any disclosure

Question 7

An elderly patient consistently picks up twice the prescribed quantity of opioids. After investigating, you confirm the patient is stockpiling. Your ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Alert the prescriber, counsel the patient on risks, and document your findings

Answer

Continue dispensing — patients have autonomy over their medications

Answer

Immediately call law enforcement

Answer

Dispense single-dose packages only without discussing it with the patient