CCP Patient Assessment and Monitoring Questions and Answers

Question 1

An 85-year-old resident with heart failure and hypertension is taking furosemide, lisinopril, and metoprolol.
A routine lab draw shows a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L (Reference range: 3.5-5.2 mEq/L).
Which physical sign or symptom is MOST important for the consultant pharmacist to recommend assessing for, given this lab value?

Accepted Answer

Muscle weakness and cramping

Answer

A persistent dry cough

Answer

Bradycardia below 60 bpm

Answer

Ankle edema

Question 2

A consultant pharmacist is reviewing a resident with advanced dementia who is non-verbal and frequently exhibits restlessness and grimacing. The nursing staff is unsure if the resident is in pain. Which assessment tool is most appropriate to use to monitor this resident's pain?

Accepted Answer

Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) Scale

Answer

Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Answer

Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale

Answer

Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)

Question 3

A consultant pharmacist is asked to assess an 85-year-old resident who was recently started on haloperidol for behavioral disturbances. During the assessment, the pharmacist observes the resident exhibiting involuntary, repetitive puckering of the lips and chewing motions. Which of the following should the pharmacist recommend be performed?

Accepted Answer

An Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) assessment

Answer

A fall risk assessment using the Morse Fall Scale

Answer

An orthostatic blood pressure measurement

Answer

A Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Question 4

When initiating therapy with apixaban in a 78-year-old resident of a long-term care facility, which of the following is the MOST critical baseline and periodic monitoring parameter to guide dosing and ensure safety?

Accepted Answer

Renal function (e.g., eGFR/CrCl)

Answer

International Normalized Ratio (INR)

Answer

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Answer

Liver function tests (LFTs)

Question 5

A consultant pharmacist reviews the chart of a 90-year-old resident who has lost 8% of their body weight in the last 30 days. The resident was started on sertraline 6 weeks ago for depression. Laboratory data shows a serum albumin of 2.9 g/dL (Reference: 3.5-5.0 g/dL). Which medication-related problem is the MOST likely contributor to the resident's status?

Accepted Answer

Adverse drug reaction

Answer

Inappropriate drug selection

Answer

Subtherapeutic dosage

Answer

Failure to receive drug

Question 6

A consultant pharmacist notes that a resident taking both hydrochlorothiazide and ramipril complains of frequent dizziness upon standing up from their chair. Which of the following is an appropriate physical assessment for the pharmacist to perform or recommend to quantify this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Measure orthostatic vital signs

Answer

Auscultate for carotid bruits

Answer

Assess skin turgor for dehydration

Answer

Perform a deep tendon reflex test