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Nebuliser solution supply — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardRespiratory TherapeuticsNebuliser solution supplyGPhC CRA

A carer asks to buy salbutamol nebuliser solution for an older person with COPD who is markedly more breathless today. There is no current prescription, no confirmed previous nebulised treatment and the patient is not present. What is the best action?

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Correct answer: D — Clinical assessment without supply, with urgent escalation for severe features

Nebuliser solution is POM and the facts do not establish previous treatment or the other conditions needed for a patient-request emergency supply. A carer’s request cannot turn a first treatment into an OTC sale, while acute worsening of COPD may represent an exacerbation needing timely assessment. Availability of other salbutamol presentations does not transfer their supply route to nebules, and oral substitution or equipment loan does not resolve the clinical risk.

Reference: Human Medicines Regulations 2012. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1916/pdfs/uksi_20121916_en.pdf NICE NG115: COPD in over 16s — recommendations. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng115/chapter/Recommendations