South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a drug utilization review in pharmacies?

1. Track inventory levels

2. Monitor staff performance

3. Ensure safe and effective medication use

4. Facilitate sales tracking

The correct answer is: Ensure safe and effective medication use

The purpose of a drug utilization review in pharmacies is to ensure safe and effective medication use. This process involves evaluating a patient’s medication history, the appropriateness of prescribed medications, potential drug interactions, allergies, and contraindications. By conducting a thorough review, pharmacists can identify and resolve potential issues before they lead to adverse effects or therapeutic failures. This proactive measure enhances patient safety and promotes better health outcomes through careful oversight of medication therapy. In addition to ensuring safety, drug utilization reviews can also support adherence to clinical guidelines and improve the overall quality of care. While inventory management, staff performance monitoring, and sales tracking are important aspects of pharmacy operations, they do not relate directly to the primary goal of ensuring that medications are used appropriately and effectively for patient care. The emphasis of drug utilization review is on patient safety and medication efficacy, making it a critical component of pharmaceutical practice.