Unit 2 - Use of BNF

Question 1

What is the BNF?

Answer 1

British National Formulary

Question 2

What information is in the front of the BNF?

Answer 2

Guidance on prescribing
Prescription writing
Emergency supply of medicines
Controlled drugs and drug dependence
Adverse reactions to drugs
Guidance on IV infusions
Prescribing for children, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, pregnancy, breast feeding, palliative care, the elderly
Drugs and sport
Prescribing in dental practice

Question 3

What is included in a BNF monograph?

Answer 3

Indication and dose
- age and weight ranges
- multiple indications
- dose adjustments
- pharmacokinetics
Unlicensed use
Contra-indications
Cautions
Interactions
Side effects
Allergy and cross-sensitivity
Conception and contraception
Pregnancy
Breast feeding
Renal and hepatic impairment
Pre-treatment screening
Monitoring requirements
Effects on laboratory tests
Treatment cessation
Directions for administration
Prescribing and dispensing information
Handling and storage
Patient and carer advice
Profession specific information
National funding/access decisions
Less suitable for prescribing
Exception to legal category
Medicinal forms - strengths, quantities, cautionary labels, legal categories

Question 4

What is included in appendix 1 of the BNF?

Answer 4

Interactions (drug class vs drug name)

Question 5

What is included in appendix 2 of the BNF?

Answer 5

Borderline substances

Question 6

What is included in appendix 3 of the BNF?

Answer 6

Cautionary and advisory labels for dispensed medicines
Welsh translation
When they should be used and additional advice

Question 7

What is NOT included in appendix 3 of the BNF?

Answer 7

Formulation specific and storage requirements

Question 8

What is included in appendix 4 of the BNF?

Answer 8

Wound management

Question 9

What is in the back matter of the BNF?

Answer 9

Dental practitioner's formulary
Nurse practitioner's formulary
Non-medical prescribing
Index of proprietary manufacturers
Special-order manufacturers

Question 10

What is in the back pages of the BNF?

Answer 10

Abbreviations and symbols
Latin abbreviations
Recommended worded of cautionary and advisory labels
Approximately conversions and units
Mean values of weight and height for a selection of ages
Medical emergencies
Yellow cards