skip to main content

Suspected heart failure — GPhC CRA MCQ

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

HardCardiovascular TherapeuticsSuspected heart failureGPhC CRA

A 59-year-old man attends with ankle swelling and breathlessness. He takes amlodipine 10 mg once daily and ibuprofen for knee pain. BP is 148/86 mmHg, pulse 96 bpm, eGFR 62 mL/min/1.73 m², potassium 4.8 mmol/L, and NT-proBNP is raised. What is the most appropriate action?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Urgent heart-failure assessment and stop ibuprofen

The oedema could be amlodipine-related, but breathlessness and raised NT-proBNP require prompt heart failure assessment. Regular NSAID use can worsen fluid retention and renal function and should be challenged. Furosemide or diagnosis-led heart failure treatment should not be initiated at the counter without assessment. The safest pharmacy action is urgent GP review with medicines optimisation advice.

Reference: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/students-and-trainees/pharmacist-education-and-training/registration-assessment