Ethics in Pharmacy Flashcards
7 cards from real Pharmacy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethics in Pharmacy flashcards as text
A pharmacist fills a prescription for a drug the patient is clearly allergic to. The prescriber says 'just fill it, I know what I'm doing.' What should the pharmacist do?
Answer: Refuse to fill and document the clinical reason, contacting the prescriber to discuss a safe alternative
Pharmacists retain independent professional responsibility for patient safety and must refuse to dispense medications that pose a clear danger.
Which of the following best describes 'conscientious objection' in pharmacy practice?
Answer: Declining to dispense a legal medication due to personal moral or religious beliefs
Conscientious objection refers to a pharmacist declining to participate in a legal activity due to deeply held personal, moral, or religious convictions.
When a pharmacist exercises conscientious objection, what is their primary ethical obligation to the patient?
Answer: Ensure the patient can access the medication through another provider or referral
Even when exercising conscientious objection, pharmacists must ensure continuity of care by facilitating the patient's access to needed medications.
A pharmacist discovers that a colleague is diverting controlled substances for personal use. The most ethical course of action is to:
Answer: Report to pharmacy management and the state board of pharmacy
Drug diversion is a serious crime that endangers patients and must be reported to supervisors and regulatory authorities regardless of personal relationships.
The concept of 'pharmaceutical care' ethically shifts the pharmacist's role to:
Answer: Taking responsibility for patient drug therapy outcomes
Pharmaceutical care holds pharmacists responsible for optimizing drug therapy outcomes and improving patients' quality of life.
A patient's legal guardian requests medication information about an adult patient who has been declared incompetent. The pharmacist should:
Answer: Verify legal guardianship documentation before sharing protected health information
Pharmacists must verify legal authority before disclosing PHI to third parties, including guardians, to comply with HIPAA.
An elderly patient consistently picks up twice the prescribed quantity of opioids. After investigating, you confirm the patient is stockpiling. Your ethical response is to:
Answer: Alert the prescriber, counsel the patient on risks, and document your findings
Pharmacists must communicate safety concerns to prescribers and counsel patients while respecting autonomy within the limits of patient safety.