Professionalism and Ethics in Pharmacy: Master Ethical Decision-Making

Question 1

Ethical Dilemma: A pharmacist is asked to dispense a controlled drug without a valid prescription. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to dispense the drug and contact the relevant authorities.

Answer

Dispense the drug and inform the prescriber later.

Answer

Dispense the drug but document the incident in the patient's record.

Answer

Contact the patient and advise them to obtain a valid prescription.

Question 2

Informed Consent: Which of the following is not a key element of informed consent in pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

The patient's signature is required on a consent form.

Answer

The patient has the capacity to comprehend the information provided.

Answer

Consent must be freely and voluntarily given.

Answer

The patient must be informed about all potential risks and benefits.

Question 3

NHS Constitution for England: What is its primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

Defines the rights and responsibilities of patients and healthcare professionals.

Answer

Outlines the structure and delivery of healthcare services.

Answer

Establishes the role of the Secretary of State for Health.

Answer

Provides principles for ethical decision-making in healthcare.

Question 4

Confidentiality Agreement: What is its primary purpose in pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard patient information from unauthorized disclosure.

Answer

To restrict the exchange of information between pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

Answer

To prevent patients from accessing their own medical records.

Answer

To limit the use of patient information solely for research purposes.

Question 5

Unethical Behavior: Which of the following is not a potential repercussion of unethical behavior in pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

Financial gain.

Answer

Erosion of patient trust.

Answer

Legal consequences.

Answer

Damage to the reputation of the pharmacy profession.

Question 6

Professional Values vs. Personal Values: When a pharmacist's personal beliefs conflict with the ethical guidelines of their profession, which should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Professional values should always come first.

Answer

Personal values should always come first.

Answer

Pharmacists should weigh both values equally.

Answer

Pharmacists should only rely on their personal beliefs.

Question 7

Under what circumstances is it ethically acceptable for a pharmacist to refuse to dispense a medication?

Accepted Answer

If they have a genuine concern about its safety or efficacy

Answer

If the patient is under 18 years old

Answer

If the patient has not paid for the medication

Answer

If the prescription is not in writing

Question 8

What is the "duty of candour" in relation to pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

The obligation to be open and honest with patients about errors or incidents

Answer

The obligation to report all adverse drug reactions to the MHRA

Answer

The obligation to provide patients with all available information about their medicines

Answer

There is no "duty of candour" in relation to pharmacy practice

Question 9

Conflict of Interest: Which of the following is NOT a key principle of conflict of interest management in pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

Putting personal interests before patient interests

Answer

Disclosing potential conflicts

Answer

Avoiding conflicts when possible

Answer

Managing conflicts when they arise

Question 10

In clinical research, what are the key ethical principles that pharmacists must uphold?

Accepted Answer

Obtain informed consent, protect privacy, and ensure safety

Answer

Prioritize research goals over participant well-being

Answer

Secure funding without disclosing conflicts of interest

Answer

Use only animal models to avoid ethical concerns

Question 11

In interdisciplinary healthcare teams, which ethical principle should pharmacists prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Patient well-being

Answer

Professional independence

Answer

Professional reputation

Answer

Personal beliefs

Question 12

According to Patient Group Directions (PGDs), under which circumstance can a pharmacist independently provide emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) to a patient without a prescription?

Accepted Answer

The patient cannot get a prescription within 24 hours.

Answer

The patient is under 18 years old.

Answer

The patient has used EHC multiple times before.

Answer

The patient has a long-term medical condition.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle in pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

Convenience

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of continuing professional development (CPD) for pharmacists?

Accepted Answer

To maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills

Answer

To fulfill the requirements of the GPhC

Answer

To earn additional qualifications

Answer

To advance their career

Question 15

What is the initial and most crucial step in the ethical decision-making process in pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the ethical issue

Answer

Gathering relevant information

Answer

Considering different perspectives

Answer

Weighing the potential benefits and harms

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of a professional pharmacist?

Accepted Answer

Self-promotion

Answer

Accountability

Answer

Compassion

Answer

Integrity

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of the Data Protection Act (DPA) in the context of pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

To protect the privacy of patients' personal health information

Answer

To ensure the security of medical records

Answer

To regulate the use of electronic prescribing systems

Answer

To prevent the unauthorized disclosure of patient data

Question 18

Effective professional communication in pharmacy involves:

Accepted Answer

Utilizing clear, unambiguous language that can be easily understood

Answer

Incorporating jargon and technical terms without providing explanations

Answer

Frequently interrupting patients to ask clarifying questions

Answer

Avoiding sensitive or potentially uncomfortable topics

Question 19

Potential repercussions of unprofessional behavior by a pharmacist include:

Accepted Answer

Loss of professional registration and license to practice

Answer

Increased patient satisfaction and trust

Answer

Promotion to a higher position of responsibility

Answer

Enhanced job performance and recognition

Question 20

The Medicines Act 1968 primarily focuses on regulating:

Accepted Answer

The supply, manufacture, and advertising of medicinal products

Answer

The ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals

Answer

The establishment and governance of the General Pharmaceutical Council

Question 21

The professional organization representing pharmacists in the UK is the:

Accepted Answer

Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Answer

General Medical Council

Answer

British Medical Association

Answer

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Question 22

The concept of 'duty of care' in pharmacy practice refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Legal obligation to provide a reasonable standard of care to patients

Answer

Voluntary commitment to follow ethical guidelines

Answer

Personal responsibility to act in the best interests of patients