MCQ Quiz: Person-centered Care

Person-centered care, also known as patient-centered care, is a foundational philosophy in modern healthcare that positions the patient as a collaborative partner in their own health journey. For pharmacists, this approach is put into practice through the systematic framework of the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP). As detailed throughout the Pharm.D. curriculum, from the initial Patient Care I course to advanced skills labs, the PPCP guides pharmacists to collect information, assess problems, create collaborative plans, implement those plans with the patient, and monitor for success. This quiz will test your understanding of the core principles of person-centered care and your ability to apply the five steps of the PPCP.

1. Which of the following best defines person-centered care?

• a) A model where the healthcare provider makes all decisions for the patient.
• b) A care model focused only on the patient’s primary disease state.
• c) A collaborative approach where care plans are developed in partnership with the patient, respecting their individual goals and values.
• d) A system designed to minimize the amount of time spent with each patient.

Answer: c) A collaborative approach where care plans are developed in partnership with the patient, respecting their individual goals and values.

2. The Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) provides a structured method for delivering patient-centered care. What is the correct sequence of the five core steps?

• a) Plan, Assess, Collect, Implement, Follow-up
• b) Collect, Assess, Plan, Implement, Follow-up
• c) Assess, Plan, Collect, Follow-up, Implement
• d) Collect, Plan, Implement, Assess, Follow-up

Answer: b) Collect, Assess, Plan, Implement, Follow-up

3. In the “Collect” step of the PPCP, which of the following is an example of subjective information?

• a) A blood pressure reading of 145/92 mmHg.
• b) A lab result showing a potassium level of 4.1 mEq/L.
• c) The patient stating, “I feel dizzy every morning after I take my new medication.”
• d) The medication list from the pharmacy’s dispensing records.

Answer: c) The patient stating, “I feel dizzy every morning after I take my new medication.”

4. A pharmacist reviewing a patient’s lab results and vital signs from the electronic health record is gathering what type of information?

• a) Subjective
• b) Objective
• c) Anecdotal
• d) Inconsequential

Answer: b) Objective

5. The patient care syllabi emphasize taking a “holistic view” during the collection phase. This means considering:

• a) Only the patient’s chief complaint.
• b) The physiological, psychological, and sociological variables of the patient.
• c) Only the cost of the medications.
• d) The patient’s insurance information exclusively.

Answer: b) The physiological, psychological, and sociological variables of the patient.

6. During the “Assess” step of the PPCP, the pharmacist’s primary goal is to:

• a) Dispense the patient’s medications.
• b) Create a new care plan from scratch.
• c) Analyze the collected information to identify medication therapy problems.
• d) Counsel the patient on how to use their inhaler.

Answer: c) Analyze the collected information to identify medication therapy problems.

7. A patient with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril, but their blood pressure remains elevated. The pharmacist identifies that the patient is only taking the medication “when they feel like their blood pressure is high.” This is what type of medication therapy problem?

• a) Unnecessary Therapy
• b) Adverse Drug Reaction
• c) Non-adherence
• d) Dose Too High

Answer: c) Non-adherence

8. A patient is prescribed a new medication for diabetes, but their A1c has not improved. The pharmacist identifies this as a potential problem with which of the four main categories?

• a) Indication
• b) Effectiveness
• c) Safety
• d) Adherence

Answer: b) Effectiveness

9. In the “Plan” step of the PPCP, creating patient-centered goals must be done:

• a) By the pharmacist alone.
• b) In collaboration with the patient and/or caregiver.
• c) By the patient’s insurance company.
• d) Based on what worked for a different patient.

Answer: b) In collaboration with the patient and/or caregiver.

10. An effective care plan, as outlined in the patient care syllabi, should be evidence-based and:

• a) As affordable as possible for the patient.
• b) Utilize only the newest brand-name medications.
• c) Be at least five pages long.
• d) Be developed without input from the patient.

Answer: a) As affordable as possible for the patient.

11. The “Implement” step of the PPCP involves:

• a) Identifying problems with a patient’s medications.
• b) Creating a list of goals.
• c) Discussing the care plan with the patient and educating them on their medications.
• d) Monitoring lab values after a change has been made.

Answer: c) Discussing the care plan with the patient and educating them on their medications.

12. An effective patient education technique mentioned in the Skills Lab rubric is the “teach-back” method. This involves:

• a) Having the patient sign a waiver.
• b) Asking the patient to explain the instructions in their own words to ensure understanding.
• c) Giving the patient a multiple-choice quiz.
• d) Speaking very loudly to the patient.

Answer: b) Asking the patient to explain the instructions in their own words to ensure understanding.

13. A pharmacist documenting their encounter in a SOAP note is performing which step of the PPCP?

• a) Collect
• b) Assess
• c) Plan
• d) Implement (or as part of documentation within all steps)

Answer: d) Implement (or as part of documentation within all steps)

14. The “Follow-up” step of the PPCP requires the pharmacist to:

• a) Assume the plan is working perfectly.
• b) Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the care plan.
• c) Discharge the patient from their care.
• d) Bill the patient for the encounter.

Answer: b) Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the care plan.

15. A pharmacist calls a patient a week after starting a new blood pressure medication to check their home BP readings. This is an example of which PPCP step?

• a) Collect
• b) Assess
• c) Plan
• d) Follow-up: Monitor and Evaluate

Answer: d) Follow-up: Monitor and Evaluate

16. A patient says, “I don’t want to take a statin because I read online that they cause memory loss.” A patient-centered response would be:

• a) “You must take this, or you will have a heart attack.”
• b) “That’s a valid concern. Let’s talk about the actual risks and the proven benefits for you, and we can discuss it with your doctor.”
• c) “The internet is always wrong.”
• d) To dispense the medication without addressing the patient’s concern.

Answer: b) “That’s a valid concern. Let’s talk about the actual risks and the proven benefits for you, and we can discuss it with your doctor.”

17. The “Acknowledge” step in the GATOR Way Patient Counseling Rubric is about:

• a) Acknowledging your own credentials.
• b) Verifying the patient’s name and confirming the medication.
• c) Assessing the patient’s understanding of why they are taking the therapy.
• d) Both B and C.

Answer: d) Both B and C.

18. Shared decision-making is a key component of person-centered care. It is a process where:

• a) The clinician makes the decision for the patient.
• b) The patient makes the decision without any input from the clinician.
• c) Clinicians and patients work together to make decisions and select tests, treatments, and care plans.
• d) The patient’s family makes all the decisions.

Answer: c) Clinicians and patients work together to make decisions and select tests, treatments, and care plans.

19. A pharmacist who asks a patient about their ability to afford medication co-pays is considering which aspect of the “holistic view”?

• a) Physiological variables
• b) Psychological variables
• c) Sociological and economic variables
• d) The patient’s religious beliefs.

Answer: c) Sociological and economic variables

20. A patient’s preference to use a once-daily medication over one that must be taken three times a day is an important consideration in which step of the PPCP?

• a) Collect
• b) Assess
• c) Plan
• d) Follow-up

Answer: c) Plan

21. In the “Assess” step, pharmacists evaluate medication therapy for convenience. This includes considering:

• a) The administration route and affordability.
• b) The color of the tablet.
• c) The manufacturer of the drug.
• d) The drug’s chemical structure.

Answer: a) The administration route and affordability.

22. Which EPA (Entrustable Professional Activity) directly corresponds to the “Implement” step of the PPCP?

• a) Collect information to identify a patient’s medication-related problems.
• b) Fulfill a medication order.
• c) Educate the patient regarding the appropriate use of a medication.
• d) Both B and C are part of implementation.

Answer: d) Both B and C are part of implementation.

23. A pharmacist identifying that a patient needs a statin for secondary prevention of a heart attack is an example of which medication therapy problem?

• a) Dose too high
• b) Unnecessary drug therapy
• c) Need for additional drug therapy
• d) Adverse drug reaction

Answer: c) Need for additional drug therapy

24. The PPCP model is designed to be:

• a) A one-time process for each patient.
• b) A continuous cycle that is repeated as a patient’s condition changes.
• c) Used only for hospitalized patients.
• d) Used only by student pharmacists.

Answer: b) A continuous cycle that is repeated as a patient’s condition changes.

25. Empathy, an attribute mentioned in the skills lab syllabi, is crucial for person-centered care because it allows the pharmacist to:

• a) Understand and share the feelings of the patient.
• b) Make decisions more quickly.
• c) Bill for a higher level of service.
• d) Avoid difficult conversations.

Answer: a) Understand and share the feelings of the patient.

26. Which of the following is NOT a component of the “Plan” step in the PPCP?

• a) Creating patient-centered goals.
• b) Gathering subjective information from the patient.
• c) Developing a care plan to resolve medication therapy problems.
• d) Identifying monitoring parameters to assess effectiveness and safety.

Answer: b) Gathering subjective information from the patient.

27. A pharmacist who says, “Tell me about what a typical day looks like for you,” is attempting to gather information to:

• a) Judge the patient’s lifestyle choices.
• b) Better understand the patient’s routine and incorporate the medication regimen into it.
• c) Fill out an insurance form.
• d) Complete a drug interaction check.

Answer: b) Better understand the patient’s routine and incorporate the medication regimen into it.

28. Prioritizing medication therapy problems is a key part of the “Assess” step. Which problem should be prioritized?

• a) A need for a refill on a vitamin.
• b) A potentially life-threatening drug allergy.
• c) A minor, transient side effect.
• d) The patient’s preference for a brand-name drug.

Answer: b) A potentially life-threatening drug allergy.

29. A pharmacist recommends a patient use a pillbox to improve adherence. This is part of which PPCP step?

• a) Collect
• b) Assess
• c) Plan/Implement
• d) Follow-up

Answer: c) Plan/Implement

30. The entire framework of the Patient Care course series is built upon:

• a) The Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process.
• b) Medicinal chemistry.
• c) Pharmacy law.
• d) Sterile compounding.

Answer: a) The Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process.

31. A patient’s “health-related needs” go beyond medications and may include:

• a) The need for preventative care like vaccines.
• b) The need for education on lifestyle modifications.
• c) The need for referral to another healthcare provider.
• d) All of the above.

Answer: d) All of the above.

32. A pharmacist uses open-ended questions during a patient interview. This technique is useful for:

• a) Getting simple “yes” or “no” answers.
• b) Limiting the amount of information the patient provides.
• c) Encouraging the patient to share their story and provide detailed information.
• d) Confirming the patient’s date of birth.

Answer: c) Encouraging the patient to share their story and provide detailed information.

33. The ultimate goal of person-centered care is to:

• a) Ensure the pharmacist’s recommendations are always followed.
• b) Improve the patient’s health outcomes and quality of life.
• c) Reduce the amount of time spent on patient care.
• d) Increase pharmacy revenue.

Answer: b) Improve the patient’s health outcomes and quality of life.

34. The “Plan” step of the PPCP includes identifying monitoring parameters for safety. An example for a patient starting an ACE inhibitor would be:

• a) Checking their A1c.
• b) Monitoring their serum potassium and creatinine.
• c) Performing a chest x-ray.
• d) Checking their white blood cell count.

Answer: b) Monitoring their serum potassium and creatinine.

35. True or False: The PPCP is only applicable to pharmacists working in an ambulatory care clinic.

• a) True
• b) False

Answer: b) False

36. A patient who is actively involved in creating their care plan is more likely to:

• a) Be non-adherent.
• b) Be adherent to the plan.
• c) Experience adverse drug events.
• d) Dislike their pharmacist.

Answer: b) Be adherent to the plan.

37. When assessing a patient’s medication list, the pharmacist should ask about:

• a) Prescription medications only.
• b) Prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements.
• c) Herbal supplements only.
• d) Medications the patient has taken in the distant past.

Answer: b) Prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements.

38. Which of the following best represents a patient-centered goal?

• a) “Achieve an A1c of <7%.”
• b) “I want to lower my blood sugar so I have enough energy to walk my dog every evening.”
• c) “The patient will be started on metformin.”
• d) “The patient’s blood pressure will be <130/80 mmHg.”

Answer: b) “I want to lower my blood sugar so I have enough energy to walk my dog every evening.”

39. A pharmacist identifying that a patient’s new-onset cough is likely caused by their recently started lisinopril is an example of identifying which type of medication therapy problem?

• a) Dose too low
• b) Need for additional therapy
• c) Adverse drug reaction
• d) Non-adherence

Answer: c) Adverse drug reaction

40. The skills lab objective “Deliver patient-centered care in a manner that is legal, ethical, and compassionate” highlights that this care model is also a(n):

• a) Professional responsibility.
• b) Financial strategy.
• c) Legal loophole.
• d) Time-saving technique.

Answer: a) Professional responsibility.

41. The PPCP framework encourages pharmacists to be:

• a) Reactive to problems only.
• b) Proactive in identifying and preventing future medication-related problems.
• c) Uninvolved in the patient’s care.
• d) Focused only on dispensing.

Answer: b) Proactive in identifying and preventing future medication-related problems.

42. Which step of the PPCP involves a review of systems and a medication history?

• a) Plan
• b) Implement
• c) Follow-up
• d) Collect

Answer: d) Collect

43. A pharmacist is reviewing a patient case to prepare for rounds. This preparation falls under which PPCP steps?

• a) Implement and Follow-up
• b) Collect and Assess
• c) Plan only
• d) This is not part of the PPCP.

Answer: b) Collect and Assess

44. A patient-centered approach recognizes that the “expert” on the patient’s life, values, and experiences is:

• a) The physician
• b) The pharmacist
• c) The patient
• d) The nurse

Answer: c) The patient

45. Which of the following is a key barrier to implementing patient-centered care?

• a) Time constraints in a busy practice setting.
• b) Lack of reimbursement for cognitive services.
• c) A traditional, provider-centric culture.
• d) All of the above.

Answer: d) All of the above.

46. In the “Assess” step, the pharmacist analyzes if a medication is appropriate for a patient’s indication. This means checking if:

• a) The medication is the cheapest available.
• b) The patient has a valid, diagnosed reason for taking the medication.
• c) The patient is taking the medication correctly.
• d) The medication is causing a side effect.

Answer: b) The patient has a valid, diagnosed reason for taking the medication.

47. Modifying a care plan based on new lab results or patient feedback occurs during which step of the PPCP?

• a) Collect
• b) Implement
• c) Follow-up: Monitor and Evaluate
• d) The plan should never be modified.

Answer: c) Follow-up: Monitor and Evaluate

48. Providing education on non-pharmacologic treatment options, like diet and exercise for diabetes, is a key part of which PPCP step?

• a) Collect
• b) Assess
• c) Plan/Implement
• d) Follow-up

Answer: c) Plan/Implement

49. The patient care courses are structured to help students systematically apply the PPCP to various:

• a) Pharmacy laws.
• b) Disease states.
• c) Financial models.
• d) Chemical structures.

Answer: b) Disease states.

50. The successful implementation of the PPCP results in:

• a) A medication list that is safe, effective, and aligned with the patient’s goals.
• b) A decrease in the pharmacist’s workload.
• c) An increase in medication-related problems.
• d) The elimination of all chronic diseases.

Answer: a) A medication list that is safe, effective, and aligned with the patient’s goals.