Patient Counseling Flashcards
7 cards from real PTCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Counseling flashcards as text
A patient presents a prescription for clonazepam and mentions they are also taking another benzodiazepine prescribed by a different doctor. What action should the technician take?
Answer: Flag the duplication for the pharmacist before dispensing
Duplicate therapy with CNS depressants is a serious safety concern that requires pharmacist review before dispensing.
A patient using an albuterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) asks when they need a refill. What is the best way to determine this?
Answer: Track doses used since actuations are counted on the dose counter or by number of doses listed on the label
The float test is no longer recommended; dose counters or tracking actuations used against labeled doses is the accurate method.
A patient asks whether their insulin should be stored in the freezer for longest shelf life. The technician should:
Answer: Advise that unopened insulin is stored in the refrigerator (not frozen) and in-use vials can be kept at room temperature per manufacturer guidelines
Freezing insulin damages its structure; refrigeration is recommended for unopened stock, while in-use vials may be kept at room temperature for a manufacturer-specified period.
A patient picking up a new statin prescription asks if they can take it at any time of day. The technician should:
Answer: Let the patient know the pharmacist can advise on optimal timing, since some statins are most effective when taken in the evening
Some statins (e.g., simvastatin, lovastatin) are more effective taken at night because cholesterol synthesis peaks during sleep; the pharmacist should individualize guidance.
What is the purpose of the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program in a pharmacy setting?
Answer: To optimize therapeutic outcomes for patients with chronic conditions through pharmacist-led medication review
MTM is a pharmacist-driven program targeting high-risk patients to improve adherence, reduce adverse events, and optimize drug therapy.
A patient using a fentanyl transdermal patch asks the technician if they can cut the patch to lower the dose. The technician should:
Answer: Immediately refer the patient to the pharmacist because cutting fentanyl patches can cause rapid, potentially fatal dose release
Cutting fentanyl patches disrupts the drug delivery system and can cause dangerous, rapid release of the full opioid dose.
When counseling a patient on the correct use of ear drops, which instruction should be included?
Answer: Warm the drops to body temperature, tilt the head, pull the ear up and back (adults), and remain in position for a few minutes after instillation
Warming ear drops prevents dizziness, and proper head positioning with post-instillation rest ensures the medication reaches the ear canal.