PSI Professional Ethics 2

Question 1

What ethical considerations apply when a pharmacist suspects a patient is being abused or neglected?

Accepted Answer

The pharmacist has an ethical duty to safeguard vulnerable patients, which may require breaking confidentiality to report concerns to appropriate authorities such as the HSE or Tusla

Answer

Patient confidentiality prevents any reporting

Answer

Abuse is a matter only for the Gardaí, not pharmacists

Answer

Pharmacists should only act if the patient explicitly asks for help

Question 2

What is the principle of patient autonomy and how does it apply to pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

The right of a competent patient to make informed decisions about their own healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment; pharmacists must respect these decisions while providing full information

Answer

Patients must always follow the pharmacist's recommendations

Answer

Autonomy only applies to patients in hospitals

Answer

The pharmacist always knows what is best for the patient

Question 3

What is the pharmacist's ethical responsibility regarding counterfeit medicines?

Accepted Answer

To source medicines only from authorised suppliers, be vigilant for counterfeit products, report any suspicious products to the HPRA, and protect patients from potentially dangerous fake medicines

Answer

Counterfeit medicines are not a concern in Ireland

Answer

Only customs officials deal with counterfeit medicines

Answer

Check medicines only if a patient complains

Question 4

How should a pharmacist approach end-of-life care and palliative pharmacy services?

Accepted Answer

With compassion and respect, ensuring timely access to palliative medications, providing advice on symptom management, supporting the patient's wishes, and collaborating with the palliative care team

Answer

End-of-life care is not relevant to pharmacy practice

Answer

Only hospital pharmacists are involved in palliative care

Answer

Refer all palliative patients to their GP without providing any service

Question 5

What is the ethical importance of continuing professional development (CPD) for pharmacists?

Accepted Answer

CPD is an ethical obligation to maintain and develop competence throughout a pharmacist's career, ensuring patients receive care based on current knowledge and best practice

Answer

CPD is optional and only for career advancement

Answer

CPD is only required for the first five years after qualification

Answer

CPD is the employer's responsibility, not the individual pharmacist's

Question 6

What ethical principles should guide a pharmacist when dealing with a patient's request for information about their medication that may cause anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Provide truthful, balanced information about benefits and risks, using appropriate language, while being sensitive to the patient's emotional state and level of understanding

Answer

Withhold negative information to avoid causing distress

Answer

Give all information regardless of the patient's emotional state

Answer

Refuse to provide any information and refer to the prescriber