South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which aspects of a prescription can a pharmacist change after consulting with a prescriber?

1. Patient's name and dosage form

2. Drug strength and directions

3. Patient's address and date of issue

4. Drug quantity and drug name

The correct answer is: Drug strength and directions

A pharmacist can modify specific details on a prescription after consulting with the prescriber, provided the changes enhance the clarity or accuracy of the medication order while maintaining the patient's safety. In this context, changing the drug strength and directions is permissible since these adjustments can significantly impact a patient's therapy and are typically crucial to the effectiveness and safety of the medication. Drug strength is essential because it may affect dosing and therapeutic outcomes, while directions guide the patient on how to properly take the medication. Consulting the prescriber ensures that the changes align with the intent of the therapy, ensuring patient safety and medication efficacy. The other options involve aspects that are generally not appropriate for pharmacists to modify. Modifying a patient's name or dosage form could lead to significant issues in patient identification and medication delivery. Changing a patient's address and date of issue lacks clinical relevance and could interfere with record-keeping practices or insurance billing. Adjusting drug quantity or drug name could create confusion or safety risks if done without direct prescriber approval, as these changes can alter a patient’s treatment plan. Thus, the safest and most appropriate modifications, as indicated, are to the drug strength and directions, supported by a consultation with the prescriber.