Situational Cases for Pharmacist
Answer the following cases using your knowledge on the practice of Pharmacy. The cases being evaluated are base on your decision as a future Pharmacist if being situated on the following scenario.
1. Mikasa and Eren Hill have 4 children, all under the age of 7 years, 3 of whom have a congenital heart defect requiring medication use. Without these medications there is a 75% risk of death within the next year; with use of these medications, this risk drops to 15%. Side effects of this medication are relatively benign and readily managed. The Hill’s belong to a recognized religious group that firmly believes in “noninterference” even in life-threatening medical conditions. Although insurance will pay for the medications, the Hills don’t believe they should interfere with fate. Under pressure from Eren’s employer (a family friend), they have visited a physician, received prescriptions and come to the pharmacy to get them filled. Your pharmacy assistant has overheard them speaking and learned they actually have absolutely no intention of administering the medications to their children and have had the prescriptions filled simply to placate Eren’s employer. Your pharmacy assistance shares this information with you immediately prior to your counselling session with the Hills.
2. Nathan Drake is a pharmacist working in a busy community practice. He has an excellent rapport with his patients and provides effective patient-centered care. Recently, his brother Samuel ‘Sam’ Drake told him about a girl he just met. Sam has been dating (unsuccessfully) for many years and is very keen on meeting someone, settling down and starting a family. Nathan is thrilled for Sam, as the 2 cousins are very close. Sam’s new girlfriend is called Elena Fisher. From what Nathan is told by Sam, Elena is a sweet and sensitive fellow. Nathan has also seen a few pictures of Elena and she appears to be a strapping young woman. Today in the pharmacy, Nathan received a prescription for antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV. These prescriptions are for “Elena Fisher.” The person presenting the prescriptions looks very similar to the photographs Sam has shown Nathan, but Nathan is not 100% certain it is the same person. What should Nathan do?
*Your assignment submission should be concise. It should contain proper grammar, be free of spelling errors, and reflect critical thinking.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a future pharmacist, it is important to have knowledge of the practice of pharmacy, as well as understanding ethical and professional responsibilities. It is crucial to make decisions that are in the best interest of the patient, always respecting the patient’s autonomy and beliefs.
1. In the given scenario, the Hill family has no intention of administering medications to their children due to their beliefs. Despite having prescriptions, the family believes the medication would interfere with fate. As a pharmacist, it is important to respect and acknowledge the family’s beliefs, but it is equally important to consider the risks and benefits of not administering the medication. It would be beneficial for the pharmacist to have a conversation with the family, explain the risks of not taking the medication and provide options that align with their religious beliefs. The pharmacist could suggest incorporating prayers or rituals before administering the medication, or consulting with a religious leader who can provide guidance on how to incorporate medical intervention with religious beliefs. Ultimately, the decision lies with the family, but the pharmacist must ensure they have been provided with all the necessary information and options to make an informed decision.
2. In the second scenario, Nathan Drake is not certain if the person presenting the prescription for antiretroviral drugs is the same person his cousin, Sam Drake, told him about. As a pharmacist, it is important to be objective and treat each patient with confidentiality, respect and integrity. Nathan should verify the patient’s identity and ensure it matches the information provided in the prescription. If there is any doubt, Nathan should not fill the prescription until he has confirmed the identity of the patient. It is important for the pharmacist to act professionally and ethically, without bias or influence from personal relationships. Nathan should ensure that the patient’s privacy is respected, and their health information is kept confidential. Communication with the patient should be clear and respectful, explaining any side effects, interactions with other medications and providing instructions on how to take the medication.
In conclusion, as a future pharmacist, it is important to uphold professional and ethical standards, while maintaining respect for the patient’s autonomy and beliefs. The pharmacist must ensure that the patient is provided with all necessary information and options to make an informed decision. Verification of the patient’s identity is crucial to ensure privacy and confidentiality.
