Clinical Pharmacy & OTC Flashcards
6 cards from real PSI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Clinical Pharmacy & OTC flashcards as text
Which clinical indicator suggests a urinary tract infection (UTI) in a woman can be managed with OTC advice and does NOT need immediate GP referral?
Answer: Uncomplicated lower UTI symptoms (dysuria, frequency, urgency) in a healthy non-pregnant woman aged 16–65
Uncomplicated lower UTI in a healthy, non-pregnant woman is the only scenario where OTC management (cranberry, increased fluids) or pharmacy-only trimethoprim supply under a PGD may be appropriate in Ireland.
Which mineral supplement is recommended in pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects?
Answer: Folic acid 400 mcg daily (started before conception and continued to 12 weeks)
Folic acid supplementation starting pre-conception and continuing until 12 weeks gestation reduces neural tube defect (spina bifida, anencephaly) risk by up to 70%. High-risk women need 5 mg daily.
Which sign indicates that a pharmacist should refer a patient with chest pain to emergency services immediately?
Answer: Central crushing chest pain radiating to the jaw or left arm, with sweating and breathlessness
Central crushing chest pain with radiation to jaw/arm, diaphoresis and dyspnoea are classic symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. This is a 999/112 emergency — no OTC treatment, call ambulance.
Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are recommended as first-line management for which condition?
Answer: Mild-to-moderate dehydration due to gastroenteritis
ORS (glucose-electrolyte solutions) use glucose-facilitated sodium absorption to correct fluid and electrolyte losses in mild-moderate gastroenteritis dehydration. They are the WHO-recommended first-line approach.
Which OTC product is recommended for the management of mild allergic contact dermatitis on the skin?
Answer: Hydrocortisone 1% cream applied sparingly for up to 7 days
Hydrocortisone 1% is the only topical corticosteroid available OTC in Ireland. It is appropriate for mild, localised inflammation (dermatitis, insect bites) for up to 7 days. Stronger steroids require prescription.
A patient on warfarin asks to buy St John's Wort for mild depression. The pharmacist should advise:
Answer: Do not take — it is a potent CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein inducer that significantly reduces warfarin levels and INR, increasing clot risk
St John's Wort induces CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and P-glycoprotein, dramatically increasing warfarin metabolism and reducing INR. This poses a serious risk of sub-therapeutic anticoagulation and thromboembolic events.