Effectively presenting a patient case is a core competency for every pharmacist. It’s the process through which you convey your clinical findings, articulate a patient’s medication-related problems, and justify your therapeutic recommendations to other healthcare professionals. This skill, honed in courses like Professional Skills Lab 3 and 4, involves more than just reciting facts; it requires the ability to “present a succinct oral patient summary and therapeutic plan”. Using structured communication formats like SBAR and SOAP, as mentioned in the Patient Care 5 curriculum, ensures that your expertise is communicated clearly, concisely, and effectively. This quiz will test your knowledge on the essential components of presenting patients in a clinical setting, a skill vital for interprofessional collaboration and optimal patient care.
1. When beginning an oral patient presentation, what is the first piece of information you should provide?
- a. The patient’s full medication list.
- b. The chief complaint and a brief opening one-liner summarizing the patient.
- c. The complete list of lab abnormalities.
- d. Your final recommendation.
Answer: b. The chief complaint and a brief opening one-liner summarizing the patient.
2. In which section of a traditional case presentation would you include the patient’s story of their current illness?
- a. Past Medical History (PMH)
- b. History of Present Illness (HPI)
- c. Review of Systems (ROS)
- d. Assessment
Answer: b. History of Present Illness (HPI)
3. The SBAR communication tool is designed for conveying urgent or important information concisely. What does the “S” in SBAR stand for?
- a. Subjective
- b. Summary
- c. Situation
- d. Solution
Answer: c. Situation
4. A patient’s vital signs, physical exam findings, and lab results belong in which part of a SOAP note?
- a. S – Subjective
- b. O – Objective
- c. A – Assessment
- d. P – Plan
Answer: b. O – Objective
5. A key objective for student pharmacists is to present a “succinct oral patient summary.” What does “succinct” mean in this context?
- a. Long and highly detailed.
- b. Expressed clearly in a few words; concise.
- c. Including only the positive findings.
- d. Read directly from the patient’s chart.
Answer: b. Expressed clearly in a few words; concise.
6. The “Assessment” part of an SBAR communication should include:
- a. A list of all the patient’s medications.
- b. The patient’s name and date of birth.
- c. Your professional conclusion about the situation.
- d. A detailed patient history.
Answer: c. Your professional conclusion about the situation.
7. When presenting a patient’s medication list, it is most helpful to:
- a. List them in alphabetical order.
- b. Group them by disease state or indication.
- c. Only list the medications that are on formulary.
- d. Only mention the medications that have changed.
Answer: b. Group them by disease state or indication.
8. Which of the following is an example of Subjective information?
- a. Blood pressure is 145/92 mmHg.
- b. Serum creatinine is 1.8 mg/dL.
- c. The patient states, “My head has been hurting for three days.”
- d. A chest X-ray shows evidence of pneumonia.
Answer: c. The patient states, “My head has been hurting for three days.”
9. The “Plan” section of a SOAP note should include specific monitoring parameters. Which of the following is a good example?
- a. “Monitor patient.”
- b. “Check labs tomorrow.”
- c. “Monitor serum potassium and magnesium in 24 hours.”
- d. “See how patient feels.”
Answer: c. “Monitor serum potassium and magnesium in 24 hours.”
10. When a student pharmacist is asked to “defend a therapeutic plan,” it means they should be able to:
- a. Argue with the attending physician.
- b. Provide evidence-based reasoning for their recommendations.
- c. Refuse to change their plan.
- d. Only use the most expensive medications.
Answer: b. Provide evidence-based reasoning for their recommendations.
11. In the “Background” section of SBAR, what information would be most relevant when calling a provider about a critically high potassium level?
- a. The patient’s diet preference.
- b. The patient’s insurance status.
- c. The patient’s recent lab trends and current use of medications that affect potassium (e.g., ACE inhibitors, spironolactone).
- d. The patient’s complete social history.
Answer: c. The patient’s recent lab trends and current use of medications that affect potassium (e.g., ACE inhibitors, spironolactone).
12. Identifying and prioritizing a patient’s medication therapy problems (MTPs) occurs in which part of the presentation or note?
- a. History of Present Illness
- b. Review of Systems
- c. Assessment
- d. Plan
Answer: c. Assessment
13. When giving an oral case presentation, it is important to tailor the content and level of detail to your audience.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
14. The final component of the SBAR tool is “Recommendation.” What should be included here?
- a. A question asking the provider what they want to do.
- b. A statement of what you need from the provider or what you suggest should be done.
- c. A summary of the patient’s vital signs.
- d. A list of the patient’s allergies.
Answer: b. A statement of what you need from the provider or what you suggest should be done.
15. Communicating patient care recommendations verbally and in the EHR is a key skill for a student pharmacist.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
16. Which of the following is considered Objective information?
- a. The patient’s report of pain on a scale of 1-10.
- b. The patient’s complaint of nausea.
- c. A heart rate of 52 beats per minute on the monitor.
- d. The patient’s description of their social habits.
Answer: c. A heart rate of 52 beats per minute on the monitor.
17. A pharmacist’s assessment should focus on:
- a. Diagnosing new medical conditions.
- b. Identifying and evaluating medication-related problems.
- c. The patient’s financial situation.
- d. The nursing staff’s workload.
Answer: b. Identifying and evaluating medication-related problems.
18. When presenting a patient’s allergies, what crucial information should be included besides the name of the drug?
- a. The date the allergy was first documented.
- b. The specific reaction the patient experienced.
- c. The cost of the alternative medication.
- d. The name of the physician who documented the allergy.
Answer: b. The specific reaction the patient experienced.
19. One of the first steps in an SBAR communication, according to the skills lab rubric, is to:
- a. Immediately state your recommendation.
- b. Introduce yourself as the student pharmacist.
- c. Ask the provider how their day is going.
- d. State the patient’s insurance information.
Answer: b. Introduce yourself as the student pharmacist.
20. A “problem-oriented” presentation format means:
- a. The presenter only focuses on the negative aspects of the case.
- b. The assessment and plan are structured around specific, numbered problems.
- c. The presentation is disorganized.
- d. The presenter complains about the case.
Answer: b. The assessment and plan are structured around specific, numbered problems.
21. Presenting a plan for a patient includes recommending a specific drug, dose, route, frequency, and:
- a. The manufacturer of the drug.
- b. The wholesale acquisition cost.
- c. The duration of therapy and monitoring parameters.
- d. The color of the tablet.
Answer: c. The duration of therapy and monitoring parameters.
22. “Review of Systems” (ROS) is typically what kind of information?
- a. Objective, because it involves a physical exam.
- b. Subjective, because it is a series of questions asked to the patient about symptoms.
- c. Part of the Assessment.
- d. Only documented by physicians.
Answer: b. Subjective, because it is a series of questions asked to the patient about symptoms.
23. Which of the following is NOT a medication therapy problem?
- a. Adverse drug reaction
- b. Unnecessary drug therapy
- c. Dose too low
- d. Patient’s chief complaint
Answer: d. Patient’s chief complaint
24. The main advantage of using a structured format like SBAR for communication is:
- a. It makes the conversation longer and more detailed.
- b. It ensures all relevant information is conveyed clearly and efficiently, reducing the risk of error.
- c. It is the only format allowed by the hospital.
- d. It impresses the person you are talking to with your vocabulary.
Answer: b. It ensures all relevant information is conveyed clearly and efficiently, reducing the risk of error.
25. Student pharmacists practice patient case presentations in which of the following courses?
- a. PHA5164L: Professional Skills Laboratory 4
- b. PHA5163L: Professional Skills Lab 3
- c. Both a and b
- d. Neither a nor b
Answer: c. Both a and b
26. When presenting lab values, it is most effective to:
- a. Read every single lab value from the report.
- b. Mention only the abnormal labs that are relevant to the patient’s condition.
- c. State that all labs are “within normal limits” without checking them.
- d. Only report the labs you ordered yourself.
Answer: b. Mention only the abnormal labs that are relevant to the patient’s condition.
27. In a formal case presentation, where is the best place to state your name and role?
- a. In the middle of the HPI.
- b. At the very beginning of the presentation.
- c. At the very end of the presentation.
- d. It is not necessary to state your name and role.
Answer: b. At the very beginning of the presentation.
28. An SBAR communication is most appropriate for which of the following scenarios?
- a. Presenting a patient for the first time at morning rounds.
- b. Calling a physician to recommend a dose change for an antibiotic.
- c. Writing a full progress note in the patient’s chart.
- d. Counseling a patient at discharge.
Answer: b. Calling a physician to recommend a dose change for an antibiotic.
29. The “Assessment” in a SOAP note is where you:
- a. List all of the patient’s medications.
- b. Document the physical exam.
- c. Analyze and interpret the subjective and objective data to identify problems.
- d. Write new medication orders.
Answer: c. Analyze and interpret the subjective and objective data to identify problems.
30. Why is it important to verify the patient’s name and DOB before discussing them with another provider?
- a. To ensure you are discussing the correct patient and prevent medical errors.
- b. To test the other provider’s knowledge.
- c. It is a social formality.
- d. To practice your pronunciation of the patient’s name.
Answer: a. To ensure you are discussing the correct patient and prevent medical errors.
31. Presenting a patient’s social history (e.g., use of tobacco, alcohol) is important because:
- a. It is required by law for all presentations.
- b. It can impact disease states and the choice/effects of medications.
- c. It satisfies the presenter’s curiosity.
- d. It is the most important part of the presentation.
Answer: b. It can impact disease states and the choice/effects of medications.
32. A “one-liner” in a patient presentation should include:
- a. The patient’s name, age, gender, and chief complaint/reason for admission.
- b. The patient’s complete medication history.
- c. A joke to break the ice.
- d. Your final assessment and plan.
Answer: a. The patient’s name, age, gender, and chief complaint/reason for admission.
33. You should avoid using medical jargon when presenting a case to:
- a. An attending physician.
- b. A clinical pharmacist.
- c. The patient or their family members.
- d. A medical student.
Answer: c. The patient or their family members.
34. Documenting a “pharmacy plan of care” is a required competency for which experience?
- a. Community Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (CIPPE)
- b. Hospital Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (HIPPE)
- c. Sterile Compounding Lab
- d. Principles of Evidence-Based Practice
Answer: b. Hospital Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (HIPPE)
35. If you are unsure of an answer to a question during your presentation, the best response is to:
- a. Guess the answer and hope it’s correct.
- b. State that you do not know the answer but will find out and follow up.
- c. Ignore the question and continue your presentation.
- d. Tell the person asking that their question is not relevant.
Answer: b. State that you do not know the answer but will find out and follow up.
36. A key component of being a “collaborator” as a pharmacist is:
- a. Working independently without communicating with others.
- b. Effectively communicating your expertise as part of an interprofessional team.
- c. Making all decisions for the team.
- d. Only talking to other pharmacists.
Answer: b. Effectively communicating your expertise as part of an interprofessional team.
37. When presenting your plan, you recommend discontinuing a medication. What must you also provide?
- a. A coupon for the new medication.
- b. The reason/justification for discontinuing it.
- c. The personal phone number of the original prescriber.
- d. The patient’s opinion on the medication’s color.
Answer: b. The reason/justification for discontinuing it.
38. The “P” in SOAP stands for “Plan.” This section outlines:
- a. The patient’s past medical history.
- b. The prioritized list of problems.
- c. The recommended actions for each problem, including pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and monitoring interventions.
- d. The physical exam findings.
Answer: c. The recommended actions for each problem, including pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and monitoring interventions.
39. Maintaining good eye contact and using clear, appropriate language are parts of what professional skill during a presentation?
- a. Documentation
- b. Calculation
- c. Effective communication
- d. Dispensing
Answer: c. Effective communication
40. What is a major difference between an oral presentation and a written SOAP note?
- a. A SOAP note does not require an assessment.
- b. An oral presentation is always much longer.
- c. An oral presentation can be interactive and tailored to the audience, while a written note is a permanent, detailed record.
- d. There are no differences.
Answer: c. An oral presentation can be interactive and tailored to the audience, while a written note is a permanent, detailed record.
41. Family history is included in a patient presentation because:
- a. It helps in understanding genetic predispositions to certain diseases.
- b. It is required for hospital billing.
- c. It helps the presenter get to know the family.
- d. It has no clinical relevance.
Answer: a. It helps in understanding genetic predispositions to certain diseases.
42. Which of the following would be part of the “Assessment” for a patient with hypertension?
- a. “Patient reports taking lisinopril 10 mg daily.”
- b. “BP today is 150/95 mmHg.”
- c. “Hypertension, currently uncontrolled on lisinopril 10 mg daily.”
- d. “Increase lisinopril to 20 mg daily and recheck BP in 1 week.”
Answer: c. “Hypertension, currently uncontrolled on lisinopril 10 mg daily.”
43. The logical flow of a case presentation is important for:
- a. Confusing the listener.
- b. Helping the listener understand the case and follow your thought process.
- c. Making the presentation seem more dramatic.
- d. Meeting a time requirement.
Answer: b. Helping the listener understand the case and follow your thought process.
44. What is the most significant difference between presenting to a medical resident versus a nurse?
- a. The nurse will be less interested in the case.
- b. The focus for the resident may be on the differential diagnosis and evidence, while the focus for the nurse may be on administration, monitoring, and patient comfort.
- c. You should use more complex language with the nurse.
- d. There is no difference in how you should present.
Answer: b. The focus for the resident may be on the differential diagnosis and evidence, while the focus for the nurse may be on administration, monitoring, and patient comfort.
45. What is the final part of a formal patient case presentation?
- a. The History of Present Illness.
- b. The Assessment and Plan.
- c. The patient’s medication list.
- d. The patient’s chief complaint.
Answer: b. The Assessment and Plan.
46. A “medication-related question” from another provider should be answered using:
- a. Your personal opinion.
- b. Information found on a social media website.
- c. Scientific literature and evidence-based resources.
- d. What you remember from a lecture last year.
Answer: c. Scientific literature and evidence-based resources.
47. When using the SBAR format, you should always offer to:
- a. Explain the change in therapy to the patient.
- b. Call the patient’s family for them.
- c. Get the provider a cup of coffee.
- d. Document the conversation for them.
Answer: a. Explain the change in therapy to the patient.
48. What is the purpose of documenting interventions in the EHR?
- a. To create more work for yourself.
- b. To show your contribution to patient care and ensure the care team is aware of your actions and recommendations.
- c. To practice your typing skills.
- d. It serves no real purpose.
Answer: b. To show your contribution to patient care and ensure the care team is aware of your actions and recommendations.
49. An effective case presenter is both organized and:
- a. Long-winded.
- b. Unprepared.
- c. Logical.
- d. Inaudible.
Answer: c. Logical.
50. The ultimate goal of learning to present patients is to:
- a. Pass the skills lab course.
- b. Improve your public speaking ability.
- c. Function as an effective member of an interprofessional team to optimize patient outcomes.
- d. Demonstrate your superior knowledge to other students.
Answer: c. Function as an effective member of an interprofessional team to optimize patient outcomes.