OSCE

Question 1

self care tip for muscle and joint pain

Answer 1

• rubbing the area
• hot or cold compress

Question 2

what is the maximum daily dose of paracetamol for adults?

Answer 2

two 500mg tablets four times a day

Question 3

NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are used for what?

Answer 3

• relieve pain and fever
• reduce swelling and inflammation

Question 4

what is the maximum daily dose of ibuprofen for adults?

Answer 4

400mg up to three times a day, leave four hours between doses

Question 5

what are the possible contra-indications for NSAIDs?

Answer 5

• asthma
• stomach problems e.g. ulcers
• kidney and liver problems
• pregnancy especially >30 weeks

Question 6

minimum age for aspirin

Answer 6

16

Question 7

possible contra-indications for aspirin?

Answer 7

• asthma
• stomach problems e.g. ulcers
• patients taking anticoagulants e.g. warfarin

Question 8

minimum age for combination opioid products

Answer 8

12

Question 9

cluster headache characteristics

Answer 9

• severe pain on one side
• sudden, uncommon
• usually everyday in bouts of weeks/months

Question 10

cluster headache pharmacy treatment

Answer 10

refer to GP, paracetamol no effect

Question 11

what is the first choice of painkiller for pregnant women?

Answer 11

paracetamol

Question 12

red flag symptoms for back pain?

Answer 12

• pain radiating down the leg, below the knee
• numbness below the waist
• back lump, swelling
• worse at night
• no improvement 2/3 weeks

Question 13

red flag for joint pain?

Answer 13

accompanying symptoms such as fever, tiredness, generally unwell

Question 14

first line OTC care for joint and muscle pain?

Answer 14

pain relief gels e.g.
- ibuprofen gel
- deep freeze/heat

Question 15

How long is normal for cold symptoms to persist?

Answer 15

1-2 weeks

Question 16

minimal age for decongestants

Answer 16

6

Question 17

how long can children aged between 6 and 12 take decongestants?

Answer 17

no longer than five days

Question 18

what other type of medicine can be included in combination products for cold and flu but can cause drowsiness?

Answer 18

antihistamines e.g. diphenhydramine

Question 19

nasal decongestant sprays often contain what?

what is the recommended time limit for use of such nasal sprays? Why?

Answer 19

xylometazoline and/or oxymetazoline

up to seven days

can cause rebound congestion ie. reappearance of symptoms

Question 20

what are inhalants or vapour rubs good for?

Answer 20

alleviating blocked noses, sinuses

Question 21

what do preventative nasal sprays do?

Answer 21

help to stop colds from developing

Question 22

what signs distinguish flu from a cold?

Answer 22

• flu appears quickly (hours), colds gradually
• sudden fever (38+)
• aching, tiredness
• loss of appetite, gastric issues

Question 23

a chesty cough is

Answer 23

productive

Question 24

a dry, tickly cough is

Answer 24

non-productive

Question 25

productive cough treatments

Answer 25

expectorants (12 yrs+) include ingredients such as guaifenesin

Question 26

What sorts of patients with a cough should automatically be referred to a pharmacist?

Answer 26

- children under 6 - pregnant and breastfeeding women

Question 27

Treatment for adults, children over 12 with tickly cough?

Answer 27

Cough suppressants e.g dextromethorphan Those containing diphenhydramine for cough suppression

Question 28

What sorts of ingredients are good for soothing the throat? Who might products containing these ingredients not be suitable for?

Answer 28

Glycerin, honey, lemon Diabetics because likely high in sugar

Question 29

What sorts of meds can be offered for sore throats? What kind of APIs?

Answer 29

Throat sprays, lozenges, anti-inflammatories E.g. benzydamine hydrochloride - Difflam

Question 30

What sorts of lozenges may also be helpful for sore throats? What do they contain?

Answer 30

Antiseptic lozenges Benzalkonium, dichlorobenzyl, hexylresorcinol, tyrothricin

Question 31

What sorts of lozenges/throat sprays should be considered for sore throats?

Answer 31

- painkillers and anti-inflammatory - antiseptic - local anaesthetic - soothing

Question 32

What is an example of an API that acts as a local anaesthetic in lozenges/throat sprays? How long can such products be used for?

Answer 32

Benzocaine No more than 5 days

Question 33

What patients are lozenges unsuitable for?

Answer 33

- elderly - children under 12

Question 34

Minimum age for throat spray?

Answer 34

6

Question 35

What do soothing lozenges contain? What are the benefits? Who must be careful using them?

Answer 35

Lemon, honey etc Help produce saliva to lubricate throat People with diabetes - look for SF