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

Pharmacists have a duty of care that extends to safeguarding vulnerable patients. When abuse or neglect is suspected, confidentiality may be broken to protect the patient. The pharmacist should document concerns, report to appropriate authorities (HSE, Tusla for children), and follow safeguarding protocols.

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

Patient autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle. Pharmacists must provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions, respect their right to refuse or choose treatments, and support shared decision-making. Pharmacists should advise but never coerce.

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

Pharmacists have an ethical and legal responsibility to maintain the integrity of the medicine supply chain. This includes sourcing only from authorised wholesalers, checking deliveries for signs of counterfeiting, using the FMD (Falsified Medicines Directive) verification system, and reporting any suspicious products.

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

Community pharmacists play an important role in end-of-life care: ensuring palliative medications (especially controlled drugs for pain management) are readily available, advising on administration and dosing, supporting carers, maintaining dignity and respect, and collaborating with the palliative care team.

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 both a regulatory requirement and an ethical imperative. The rapid pace of pharmaceutical science means knowledge quickly becomes outdated. Pharmacists have an ethical duty to maintain competence through lifelong learning, ensuring their practice reflects current evidence and best practice.

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Professional Ethics 2