Controlled Substances: Legal Framework and Regulations for Pharmacy Professionals

Question 1

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which of the following is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Morphine

Answer

Codeine

Answer

Lorazepam

Answer

Temazepam

Question 2

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of acting in the best interests of patients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 3

When handling controlled substances, a pharmacist's primary ethical responsibility is to ensure:

Accepted Answer

Patient safety

Answer

Financial gain

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Security

Question 4

What is the primary ethical principle that should guide pharmacists in handling controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 5

The Misuse of Drugs Act, which established the current legal framework for controlled substances in the United Kingdom, was enacted in which year?

Accepted Answer

1971

Answer

1965

Answer

1988

Answer

2012

Question 6

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, controlled substances are classified primarily according to their:

Accepted Answer

Potential for abuse and harm

Answer

Pharmacological properties

Answer

Availability on the market

Answer

Dispensing restrictions

Question 7

In the United Kingdom, a pharmacist may only legally dispense a controlled substance upon receiving:

Accepted Answer

An original, signed prescription from an authorised prescriber

Answer

A verbal order from a prescriber

Answer

A request from a patient with a valid medical need

Answer

A standing order from a hospital

Question 8

The ethical principle of 'non-maleficence' primarily requires healthcare professionals to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid causing harm

Answer

Act in the best interests of the patient

Answer

Respect patient confidentiality

Answer

Obtain informed consent

Question 9

Which professional body in the United Kingdom provides guidance on the ethical and legal responsibilities of pharmacists in handling controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Answer

General Medical Council

Answer

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Answer

Health and Care Professions Council

Question 10

In the context of dispensing controlled substances, the pharmacist's primary ethical and legal responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Safeguard the patient's well-being

Answer

Prevent diversion and misuse

Answer

Follow the prescriber's instructions

Answer

Maintain their professional reputation

Question 11

What is the main role of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)?

Accepted Answer

Advise the government on scheduling controlled substances

Answer

Enforce drug laws and regulations

Answer

Issue licenses for handling controlled substances

Answer

Prosecute drug offenses

Question 12

Define controlled substances and provide an overview of their pharmacological properties, uses, and potential for abuse.

Accepted Answer

Substances regulated by the government due to their potential for abuse and dependence

Answer

Substances with no therapeutic value

Answer

Substances that are only available by prescription

Answer

Substances that are highly toxic

Question 13

A pharmacist suspects a customer is abusing a controlled substance prescription. Which action should the pharmacist prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Inform the customer of their suspicion and offer support while reporting the illegal activity to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Maintain patient confidentiality and continue dispensing the prescription

Answer

Report the customer to the police without informing them

Answer

Refuse to dispense the prescription without providing a reason

Question 14

What primary factor is considered when classifying controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacological effects and potential for abuse

Answer

Chemical structure

Answer

Availability of alternatives

Answer

Dosage form

Question 15

Which of the following is a legal requirement in the UK for prescribing controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Must be signed by a registered medical practitioner

Answer

Must be written in Latin

Answer

Must be dated

Question 16

Which of the following is a potential ethical dilemma for pharmacists when dispensing controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Dispensing a controlled substance to a patient who is known to be misusing it

Answer

Refusing to dispense a controlled substance to a patient who is in pain

Answer

Charging a higher price for a controlled substance than for other medications

Question 17

Which of the following is a key principle governing the control of substances?

Accepted Answer

To protect public health and safety

Answer

To punish individuals for drug use

Answer

To generate revenue for the government

Answer

To promote the use of illicit drugs

Question 18

Which schedule under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 carries the most severe penalties for possession?

Accepted Answer

Schedule 1

Answer

Schedule 2

Answer

Schedule 4

Answer

Schedule 3

Question 19

Who is primarily responsible for ensuring that controlled substances are stored securely?

Accepted Answer

The pharmacist

Answer

The police

Answer

The patient

Answer

The prescriber

Question 20

Which of the following is a ethical consideration in dispensing controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Answer

Maximizing profits

Answer

Ignoring the patient's wishes

Answer

Dispensing without a valid medical reason

Question 21

What is the legal definition of 'supply' in relation to controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971?

Accepted Answer

Any transfer of possession or control

Answer

Only the manufacture of a substance

Answer

Only the import or export of a substance

Answer

Only the sale of a substance

Question 22

What is the purpose of a Controlled Drug Register?

Accepted Answer

To record the acquisition, supply, and disposal of controlled substances

Answer

To monitor drug prices

Answer

To track patient prescriptions

Question 23

Which of the following is a strategy for reducing the misuse of controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Education and prevention programs

Answer

Increasing penalties for drug offenses

Answer

Restricting access to legitimate prescriptions

Answer

Ignoring the problem

Question 24

What is the role of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in relation to controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the manufacture, distribution, and use of controlled substances

Answer

To provide addiction treatment services

Answer

To enforce drug laws