We are able to support progression through the British Pharmacological Society (BPS; #ASPET2025) Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) for Medical School undergraduates within the United Kingdom via our PharmaPSA service offering. More details may be located here.

Here is one example of a potential ‘Prescribing’ question worth 10 marks in the assessment. We are able to discuss Prescribing Safety Assessment practice questions with you to help with your preparations.

Would you be able to answer this one?

Scenario 1:

A 60-year-old male patient presents with a blood pressure reading of 160/100 mmHg. He has a history of Type II Diabetes and is currently taking Metformin 500mg tablets twice each. The patient is overweight and has been advised to make lifestyle changes, but his blood pressure remains high.

Prescribe a drug for this patient to lower his blood pressure. Include the name of the drug, the strength and the frequency to attain your 10 marks…….

Answer 1:

Rx: Ramipril 1.25mg Capsules, One to be taken Each Day. Send: 28.

Reasoning 1:

Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor and is often recommended as a first-line treatment for hypertension in patients with diabetes due to its renal protective effects. Your alternatives may be Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide but these should be considered after ACE inhibitors. Atenolol another option but is not now typically recommended as a first-line treatment for hypertension.

What counselling advice would you provide the patient with further to Ramipril initiation….?

What monitoring would you perform as a primary care doctor?

Support from our Lead Tutor:

Dr Mike Davies is able to fully support your understanding with drug mode of action, drug use and drug counselling points. Book your appointment today to find out more….

More scenarios will follow on our Blog page; we will flag examples of all 8 topics within the PSA to highlight how we can support you.