Community pharmacy is the most accessible healthcare destination for millions of patients. Best practices in this setting go far beyond dispensing, encompassing patient safety, clinical services, and effective communication. For PharmD students, mastering these best practices is essential for providing high-quality, patient-centered care. This quiz will test your knowledge on the operational, legal, and clinical standards that define excellence in modern community pharmacy practice, from workflow design to MTM.
1. A key best practice in the prescription fulfillment process is to:
- Have the same person enter and fill the prescription to ensure speed.
- Separate the tasks of data entry, filling, and final verification among different staff members to create checks and balances.
- Allow the patient to select their own medication from the shelf.
- Only verify the spelling of the patient’s name.
Answer: Separate the tasks of data entry, filling, and final verification among different staff members to create checks and balances.
2. The primary purpose of a prospective Drug Utilization Review (DUR) performed at the point of sale is to:
- Bill the insurance company for a clinical service.
- Identify potential drug-related problems, such as interactions or therapeutic duplication, before the medication is dispensed.
- Fulfill a marketing requirement for the pharmacy.
- Check the pharmacy’s inventory level for the prescribed drug.
Answer: Identify potential drug-related problems, such as interactions or therapeutic duplication, before the medication is dispensed.
3. When counseling a patient on a new prescription, a best practice is to use which technique to confirm their understanding?
- Asking “Do you have any questions?”
- The teach-back method, where the patient explains the information back in their own words.
- Providing a leaflet and assuming the patient will read it.
- Speaking quickly to save the patient time.
Answer: The teach-back method, where the patient explains the information back in their own words.
4. The federal law OBRA ’90 established a best practice standard by requiring pharmacists to:
- Offer to counsel all Medicaid patients on their prescriptions.
- Provide free medication to all senior citizens.
- Report all medication errors to the FDA.
- Administer immunizations.
Answer: Offer to counsel all Medicaid patients on their prescriptions.
5. A patient asks for a recommendation for a cough. A best practice approach for the pharmacist is to first:
- Recommend the most expensive product available.
- Gather information about the patient’s symptoms, conditions, and other medications using a structured method like SCHOLAR-MAC.
- Tell the patient to see a doctor immediately.
- Suggest a product based on the brand name the patient saw on TV.
Answer: Gather information about the patient’s symptoms, conditions, and other medications using a structured method like SCHOLAR-MAC.
6. To ensure patient safety and privacy during a consultation, the best practice is to:
- Conduct the conversation at the main pickup counter.
- Use a private or semi-private counseling area.
- Speak loudly so other patients can learn from the interaction.
- Ask the patient to write their questions down and leave them.
Answer: Use a private or semi-private counseling area.
7. A Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program is a best practice designed to:
- Increase the number of prescriptions filled per hour.
- Systematically review medication errors and near-misses to improve workflow and prevent future incidents.
- Discipline pharmacists who make mistakes.
- Manage pharmacy inventory.
Answer: Systematically review medication errors and near-misses to improve workflow and prevent future incidents.
8. Which of the following is a best practice for managing pharmacy inventory?
- Ordering excessive stock of all medications to avoid shortages.
- Storing look-alike/sound-alike drugs next to each other.
- Regularly checking for and removing expired or recalled medications from stock.
- Storing all medications in alphabetical order regardless of formulation.
Answer: Regularly checking for and removing expired or recalled medications from stock.
9. When a patient presents a new prescription, a best practice for the intake staff is to:
- Assume all information on the prescription is correct.
- Verify the patient’s identity with at least two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).
- Fill the prescription without checking for allergies.
- Ask the patient for their social security number.
Answer: Verify the patient’s identity with at least two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).
10. One of the most significant public health services offered in community pharmacies that represents a best practice is:
- The sale of lottery tickets.
- The provision of immunizations.
- Offering a wide selection of candy.
- Processing utility bill payments.
Answer: The provision of immunizations.
11. The GATOR Way patient counseling rubric is a tool to ensure that counseling is:
- Quick and efficient.
- Limited to only the name of the drug.
- Structured, comprehensive, and patient-centered.
- Focused on the cost of the medication.
Answer: Structured, comprehensive, and patient-centered.
12. A “culture of safety” within a community pharmacy is best described as an environment where:
- No medication errors ever occur.
- Staff are punished severely for reporting errors.
- Staff are encouraged to report errors and near-misses without fear of blame to improve the system.
- Only the pharmacist manager is responsible for safety.
Answer: Staff are encouraged to report errors and near-misses without fear of blame to improve the system.
13. A best practice for responding to a drug information inquiry from a patient is to:
- Provide a quick answer without verifying the information.
- Tell the patient to search for the answer online.
- Understand the context of the question and provide accurate, evidence-based information in an understandable way.
- State that you are too busy to answer questions.
Answer: Understand the context of the question and provide accurate, evidence-based information in an understandable way.
14. Offering Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services is a best practice that allows pharmacists to:
- Focus on a product-centered dispensing model.
- Provide comprehensive medication reviews to identify and resolve drug therapy problems.
- Increase the sales of OTC products.
- Reduce their interaction with patients.
Answer: Provide comprehensive medication reviews to identify and resolve drug therapy problems.
15. To comply with HIPAA, a best practice is to:
- Discuss a patient’s health information with your family.
- Leave patient printouts in an unsecured location.
- Avoid sharing Protected Health Information (PHI) with anyone not involved in the patient’s care.
- Post interesting patient cases on social media.
Answer: Avoid sharing Protected Health Information (PHI) with anyone not involved in the patient’s care.
16. When counseling a patient on how to use a metered-dose inhaler, the best practice is to:
- Provide the patient with the package insert only.
- Use the “show and tell” method, demonstrating the technique with a placebo device.
- Assume the patient already knows how to use it.
- Tell the patient to watch a video online.
Answer: Use the “show and tell” method, demonstrating the technique with a placebo device.
17. A community pharmacist demonstrates interprofessional collaboration by:
- Refusing to speak with any physicians.
- Communicating effectively with prescribers to clarify orders and recommend therapeutic changes.
- Criticizing a doctor’s prescription in front of the patient.
- Making changes to a prescription without consulting the prescriber.
Answer: Communicating effectively with prescribers to clarify orders and recommend therapeutic changes.
18. Which of the following is a best practice for ensuring the accuracy of a filled prescription at the final verification step?
- Comparing the written prescription to the information on the computer screen.
- Comparing the dispensed drug product (checking the NDC on the bottle) to the prescription.
- Reviewing the patient’s profile for allergies and interactions.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
19. Providing health screenings, such as blood pressure or blood glucose checks, is a best practice that helps pharmacists:
- Diagnose new diseases.
- Identify patients at risk for chronic diseases and refer them for follow-up care.
- Increase the wait time for prescriptions.
- Fulfill a legal requirement.
Answer: Identify patients at risk for chronic diseases and refer them for follow-up care.
20. A best practice for handling a patient’s insurance rejection is to:
- Immediately tell the patient their prescription cannot be filled.
- Investigate the reason for the rejection and attempt to resolve it (e.g., by contacting the payer or suggesting a therapeutic alternative).
- Tell the patient to pay cash for the medication.
- Ask the patient to call their insurance company from the pharmacy.
Answer: Investigate the reason for the rejection and attempt to resolve it (e.g., by contacting the payer or suggesting a therapeutic alternative).
21. The “five rights” of medication administration (right patient, drug, dose, route, time) is a foundational concept for which best practice?
- Inventory management
- Medication safety.
- Customer service
- Billing and reimbursement
Answer: Medication safety.
22. A key component of a pharmacist’s patient care process is the “Collect” step. In a community pharmacy, this involves:
- Gathering subjective and objective information from the patient and their profile.
- Collecting payment for the prescription.
- Handing the medication to the patient.
- Stocking the pharmacy shelves.
Answer: Gathering subjective and objective information from the patient and their profile.
23. A best practice for managing patients with low health literacy is to:
- Use medical jargon to educate them.
- Provide only written materials.
- Use simple language, visual aids, and confirm understanding.
- Assume they understand everything unless they ask questions.
Answer: Use simple language, visual aids, and confirm understanding.
24. What is a best practice regarding the roles of pharmacy technicians?
- Allowing technicians to counsel patients on new prescriptions.
- Delegating all dispensing tasks to technicians without any pharmacist verification.
- Utilizing well-trained technicians for technical tasks to free up the pharmacist for clinical duties.
- Having technicians answer all clinical questions from patients.
Answer: Utilizing well-trained technicians for technical tasks to free up the pharmacist for clinical duties.
25. A community pharmacy can promote public health by:
- Offering a wide selection of tobacco products.
- Providing education on smoking cessation and other wellness programs.
- Limiting the hours they are open.
- Discouraging immunizations.
Answer: Providing education on smoking cessation and other wellness programs.
26. The most appropriate way to handle a patient complaint is to:
- Argue with the patient to prove they are wrong.
- Listen with empathy, acknowledge their concern, and work towards a solution.
- Tell the patient to take their business elsewhere.
- Ignore the complaint.
Answer: Listen with empathy, acknowledge their concern, and work towards a solution.
27. A “brown bag review,” where a patient brings in all their medications for a consultation, is a best practice for:
- Performing a comprehensive medication reconciliation.
- Quickly verifying a single prescription.
- Checking for expired medications only.
- Helping the patient organize their purse.
Answer: Performing a comprehensive medication reconciliation.
28. Best practices for patient-centered care involve:
- Making all decisions for the patient.
- Involving the patient in creating their own health goals and care plan.
- Focusing only on the disease and not the patient.
- Following a rigid script for every patient interaction.
Answer: Involving the patient in creating their own health goals and care plan.
29. The use of barcode scanning during the prescription filling process is a best practice designed to prevent which type of error?
- Wrong patient
- Wrong drug
- Wrong strength
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
30. A best practice for documenting a clinical intervention (e.g., resolving a DRP) is to:
- Keep the information in your head.
- Make a note on a scrap of paper.
- Document the interaction and outcome clearly in the patient’s pharmacy profile or a dedicated system.
- Tell a colleague about it at the end of the day.
Answer: Document the interaction and outcome clearly in the patient’s pharmacy profile or a dedicated system.
31. When a patient refuses counseling, the best practice is to:
- Force the patient to listen to the counseling.
- Document the refusal and still ensure the patient knows the pharmacist is available for questions.
- Criticize the patient for their decision.
- Simply hand them the medication with no further comment.
Answer: Document the refusal and still ensure the patient knows the pharmacist is available for questions.
32. A “medication synchronization” program is a best practice workflow model designed to:
- Increase the number of times a patient has to visit the pharmacy.
- Allow patients to pick up all their chronic medications on a single, convenient day each month.
- Make the dispensing process more complicated.
- Ensure medications are refilled randomly.
Answer: Allow patients to pick up all their chronic medications on a single, convenient day each month.
33. The final verification check by the pharmacist is arguably the most critical step for:
- Ensuring patient safety before a medication leaves the pharmacy.
- Generating a profit for the pharmacy.
- Improving the speed of the dispensing process.
- Customer service.
Answer: Ensuring patient safety before a medication leaves the pharmacy.
34. A best practice for maintaining professional competence is:
- To stop learning after graduation.
- To engage in lifelong learning and continuing professional development.
- To only learn about new drugs that have a high profit margin.
- To rely solely on knowledge gained in pharmacy school.
Answer: To engage in lifelong learning and continuing professional development.
35. Empathy is a best practice in patient communication because it helps to:
- Build trust and a strong therapeutic relationship.
- Make the consultation go faster.
- Assert the pharmacist’s authority.
- Maintain a professional distance.
Answer: Build trust and a strong therapeutic relationship.
36. When a new generic equivalent becomes available, a best practice is to:
- Continue dispensing the more expensive brand name drug.
- Counsel the patient on the substitution and ensure they are aware of any changes in appearance.
- Automatically switch to the generic without informing the patient.
- Tell the patient the generic drug is not as effective.
Answer: Counsel the patient on the substitution and ensure they are aware of any changes in appearance.
37. In community pharmacy, demonstrating professionalism includes:
- Maintaining a neat and professional appearance.
- Communicating respectfully with patients and colleagues.
- Taking accountability for one’s actions.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
38. The best practice for storing refrigerated medications like insulin in a community pharmacy is:
- On the regular shelves with other medications.
- In a dedicated, temperature-monitored refrigerator.
- In the employee break room refrigerator.
- In a freezer.
Answer: In a dedicated, temperature-monitored refrigerator.
39. When a patient calls with a question about a potential adverse reaction, the pharmacist should:
- Tell them to go to the emergency room immediately.
- Ask clarifying questions to assess the severity and nature of the reaction before providing guidance.
- Look up the side effect and tell the patient it is normal.
- Advise the patient to stop all of their medications.
Answer: Ask clarifying questions to assess the severity and nature of the reaction before providing guidance.
40. A clean, organized, and uncluttered workspace is a best practice that contributes to:
- A chaotic environment.
- Reduced dispensing errors and improved efficiency.
- Slower workflow.
- Increased stress for the pharmacy staff.
Answer: Reduced dispensing errors and improved efficiency.
41. The best way to manage a conflict with a difficult patient is to:
- Match their angry tone.
- Remain calm, listen actively, and focus on resolving the issue.
- Ignore the patient until they leave.
- Have a technician handle the conflict.
Answer: Remain calm, listen actively, and focus on resolving the issue.
42. Best practices for patient-centeredness require the pharmacist to consider the patient’s:
- Values and preferences.
- Clinical and social situation.
- Health literacy and readiness to learn.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
43. A pharmacist providing naloxone without a prescription under a state protocol is an example of a best practice in:
- Public health and harm reduction.
- Inventory management.
- Sterile compounding.
- Drug marketing.
Answer: Public health and harm reduction.
44. To ensure accuracy in pharmaceutical calculations, a best practice is to:
- Perform the calculation mentally.
- Have another pharmacist or technician double-check the calculation.
- Use an online calculator without checking the inputs.
- Estimate the final result.
Answer: Have another pharmacist or technician double-check the calculation.
45. What is the best practice for disposing of a patient’s confidential information?
- Throwing it in the regular trash can.
- Shredding or using a secure disposal service.
- Leaving it on the pharmacy counter.
- Storing it indefinitely.
Answer: Shredding or using a secure disposal service.
46. A “medication error” is defined as any preventable event that may cause or lead to:
- Increased pharmacy profits.
- Inappropriate medication use or patient harm.
- A stock shortage.
- Improved patient outcomes.
Answer: Inappropriate medication use or patient harm.
47. A best practice for ensuring a new pharmacy technician is competent is to:
- Allow them to work unsupervised on their first day.
- Provide a structured training program and assess their skills before allowing them to perform tasks independently.
- Assume they learned everything they need to know from their certification exam.
- Assign them to the cash register permanently.
Answer: Provide a structured training program and assess their skills before allowing them to perform tasks independently.
48. Why is it a best practice to document all clinical activities and interventions?
- It creates a record of the value provided by the pharmacist.
- It ensures continuity of care.
- It is necessary for legal and billing purposes.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
49. A key reason for the community pharmacist to collaborate with the hospital pharmacist during transitions of care is to:
- Prevent medication errors and ensure the patient has their necessary medications after discharge.
- Compete for the patient’s business.
- Discuss hospital cafeteria food.
- Decide who is the better pharmacist.
Answer: Prevent medication errors and ensure the patient has their necessary medications after discharge.
50. The ultimate goal of implementing best practices in a community pharmacy is to:
- Maximize profit.
- Minimize workload.
- Optimize patient health outcomes and ensure safety.
- Win awards for customer service.
Answer: Optimize patient health outcomes and ensure safety.
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com