Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

FR is a 70 year old female client who presents to the pharmacist, complaining of nausea, diarrhea and dizziness for the past three days. Her medication profile includes: ASA, digoxin, enalapril, and amiodarone. She denies any recent diet changes and the only change to her medications was the addition of amiodarone last week. She believes she must have picked up a “stomach bug” and would like something for symptom relief. The most appropriate pharmacist recommendation for FR is to:

1. Take loperamide and dimenhydrinate for symptom relief.

2. Take increased fluids and bed rest until the symptoms resolve.

3. Contact FR’s physician to discontinue amiodarone until these symptoms resolve.

4. Contact FR’s physician to suggest that a digoxin level be taken.

The correct answer is: Contact FR’s physician to suggest that a digoxin level be taken.

Recommendation C is incorrect because it is not appropriate for the pharmacist to suggest discontinuing a medication without consulting the physician first. The pharmacist can offer this suggestion to the physician, but it is ultimately up to the physician to make any changes to the client's medication regimen. Option A is incorrect because loperamide and dimenhydrinate may worsen FR's symptoms due to potential drug interactions with her current medications. Option B may offer temporary relief, but does not address the underlying cause of FR's symptoms. Therefore, the best recommendation is to contact FR's physician and suggest a digoxin level be taken to ensure her current medication levels are not contributing to her symptoms.