PSI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PSI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A pharmacist mixes 300 mL of a 6% solution with 200 mL of a 1% solution of the same drug. What is the final percentage concentration? → 4.0%
2. Under Irish legislation, who can legally own a pharmacy (retail pharmacy business)? → A registered pharmacist or pharmacy body corporate meeting PSI requirements
3. A 10 mg/mL solution needs to be diluted to a final concentration of 2 mg/mL. What is the dilution factor? → 5
4. How should a pharmacist handle a conflict of interest between commercial pressures and patient care? → Patient care and safety must always take priority over commercial or business interests
5. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland is responsible for: → Authorisation and licensing of medicinal products
6. Which OTC topical preparation is used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) and should be applied at the first sign of tingling? → Aciclovir 5% cream
7. Which device is used to measure liquid medicines accurately for paediatric doses? → Oral syringe
8. The STOPP/START criteria in Ireland are used to: → Identify potentially inappropriate prescribing and prescribing omissions in older adults
9. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) treat depression by: → Blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT)
10. Which type of drug interaction at receptor level is reversible and competitive? → Competitive antagonism
11. Digoxin tablets are available as 62.5 micrograms. A patient requires 125 micrograms per dose. How many tablets should be given? → 2 tablets
12. An IV infusion of 1000 mL is prescribed to run over 8 hours. What is the required flow rate in mL/hour? → 125 mL/hr
13. What ethical principle requires pharmacists to act in the best interest of the patient? → Beneficence — the duty to act in the patient's best interest and promote their welfare
14. Which OTC nicotine replacement therapy formulation has the fastest onset of action for craving relief? → Nicotine mouth spray (reaches peak levels in 10–15 minutes)
15. Which expiry date information is mandatory on dispensed prescription labels in Ireland? → Dispensing date (the label must include the date dispensed)
16. Which auxiliary label should be added to tetracycline capsules? → Avoid dairy products and antacids — take on an empty stomach
17. A 'fitness to practise' inquiry by the PSI can be initiated following a complaint about: → Professional misconduct, poor performance or conviction of a criminal offence
18. Which blood pressure reading is classified as hypertensive crisis requiring immediate referral? → Systolic ≥180 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥120 mmHg, especially with symptoms
19. Under the PSI Code of Conduct, which principle requires pharmacists to treat all patients with equal respect regardless of background? → Justice and non-discrimination
20. Calcium gluconate is urgently required in hyperkalaemia to: → Stabilise cardiac membrane potential
21. Which OTC product is recommended for treating head lice in children? → Dimeticone 4% lotion (physical insecticide) applied for 8 hours
22. The 'right drug, right patient, right dose, right route, right time' is known as the: → Five Rights of Medicines Administration
23. Which PSI document provides guidance on professional standards for internet and distance pharmacy services? → PSI Guidance on Internet and Distance Sale of Medicines
24. Which term describes the legal category of medicines that may be sold without a prescription from a pharmacy or general retail outlet in Ireland? → General Sale List (GSL) medicines
25. Lyophilisation (freeze-drying) is used primarily to improve the stability of: → Thermolabile or moisture-sensitive drugs
26. Which international quality standard covers pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practice in the EU? → EU GMP Guidelines (EudraLex Volume 4)
27. The Tobacco Control legislation in Ireland prohibits pharmacies from: → Selling tobacco products
28. A patient requests an OTC decongestant (xylometazoline nasal spray). What is the maximum recommended duration of use? → 5–7 days
29. A pharmacist who refuses to dispense a legal prescription on conscientious grounds must: → Refer the patient to another provider who can meet their needs
30. Fickian diffusion through a membrane is enhanced by: → Increased concentration gradient and membrane surface area