skip to main content

Serious dispensing incident — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPharmacy Law and EthicsSerious dispensing incidentGPhC CRA

A patient reports taking two doses of 80 mg propranolol modified-release supplied yesterday before discovering the label and tablets are 160 mg. They currently feel light-headed and their home pulse is 46 beats/minute. What should the pharmacy do first?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Arrange urgent assessment, advise against driving and secure the pack and records

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · C = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E

A is correct because symptomatic bradycardia after a double-strength beta-blocker exposure demands urgent clinical assessment; the pharmacy should advise against driving, preserve the pack and records, notify the prescriber or urgent service as appropriate, and be open about the incident. B delays care. C suppresses candour and treats replacement as sufficient. D puts a symptomatic patient at further risk. E prioritises root-cause investigation over immediate harm. Cause analysis, reporting and learning follow after the patient is safe.

Reference: GPhC: standards for pharmacy professionals. https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/standards_for_pharmacy_professionals_may_2017_0.pdf