A3

Question 2

What are the classifications of paediatrics?

Answer 2

Neonate: 0-28 days
Infant: 1 month-1 year
Child: 1-18 years
Adolescent: 12-18 years

Question 3

What are the 5 key priorities of EOL care?

Answer 3

1. Recognise the person is dying
2. Communicate sensitively
3. Involve the person and those close to them
4. Support the needs of the family and others
5. Formulate an individual plan of care

Question 4

What is the pharmacist’s role in EOL care?

Answer 4

1. Deprescribing medicine and rationalisation
2. Supply of anticipatory medicines
3. Guidance and support on syringe driver
4. Advice on dose conversion with route changing (e.g., oral to subcutaneously)

Question 5

What are the principles of medicines optimisation for a patient-centred approach?

Answer 5

1. Aim to understand the patient’s experience
2. Evidence-based choice of medicine
3. Ensure medicine use is as safe as possible
4. Make medicines optimisation part of routine practice

Question 6

What is the function of anticipatory medicines in symptom management?

Answer 6

To enable prompt relief at whatever time a patient develops distressing symptoms. Medicines should be supplied in advance, and a plan should be developed for tailored care.

Question 7

What is opioid conversion and route change?

Answer 7

It involves changing how high levels of opioids are administered. The standard is to calculate oral morphine equivalent when changing route. Conversion tables are available in the BNF.