PharmacyCPA

2023 has been a big year, as we move into 2024 lets take a more data driven approach to learning. Below are 5 top scientifically-backed tips to help someone studying for the GPhC exam:

1. Use of Active Study Strategies: Implementing a variety of active study strategies, such as self-testing, note-taking, and summarizing, has been shown to positively predict exam performance. Active strategies involve engaging with the material in a meaningful way, rather than passively reading or listening (Walck-Shannon, Rowell, & Frey, 2021).

2. Effective Time Management: Starting to study well in advance of the exam and spreading study sessions over time, rather than cramming, can enhance understanding and retention. However, the exact start time for studying does not necessarily correlate with exam performance, indicating the quality of study time is more important than the start time (Walck-Shannon, Rowell, & Frey, 2021).

3. Minimizing Distractions: Reducing distractions during study sessions is crucial. Research indicates that distraction while studying negatively impacts exam performance. Strategies to minimize distractions could include studying in a quiet environment or using tools to block distracting websites or apps (Walck-Shannon, Rowell, & Frey, 2021).

4. Regular Self-testing: Incorporating self-assessment techniques, like practice quizzes or flashcards, helps in consolidating knowledge and assessing understanding. This approach is especially useful for long-term retention of information (Ali, 2021).

5. Distributed Practice and Online Study-Aids: Using online resources and study aids to spread learning over a semester can improve performance. These tools often provide distributed practice opportunities and practice testing, which are effective learning strategies (Poorthuis & Dijk, 2020).

A combination of active study strategies, effective time management, minimizing distractions, regular self-testing, and utilizing distributed practice and online study aids can significantly enhance exam preparation and performance.

Here are ten tips for preparing for the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Exam:

1) Understand the exam format and content. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam and the types of questions that are likely to be asked.

2) Use study aids and resources. There are a number of study aids and resources available to help you prepare for the GPhC Exam, including textbooks, review courses, and online practice exams.

3) Create a study schedule. Develop a study schedule that allows you to cover all of the material you need to know in a timely and organized manner.

4) Review key concepts and practice problem-solving. Focus on understanding key concepts and practice applying them to solve problems.

5) Understand how to interpret and apply guidelines and regulations. Familiarize yourself with relevant guidelines and regulations, and practice applying them to real-world scenarios.

6) Practice time management skills. Make sure you are able to manage your time effectively during the exam.

7) Take care of your physical and mental health. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that help you relax and reduce stress.

8) Seek help if you need it. If you are having difficulty with the material, don't hesitate to seek help from a tutor or study group.

9) Review past exam questions. Look for practice questions and sample exams from previous years to get a sense of the types of questions that are likely to be asked on the exam.

10) Don't wait until the last minute to study. Start studying early and allow yourself plenty of time to review and practice before the exam.

GPhC confirms provisional registration for some trainees hit by exam chaos...Eligible candidates who were affected by technical issues at the registration exam on June 29 will be granted provisional registration, the GPhC has confirmed.
https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/news/gphc-offer-provisional-registration-eligible-candidates-who-experienced-severe-delays

GPhC to offer provisional registration for eligible candidates who experienced severe delays | General Pharmaceutical Council On 29 June 2022, just under 2,700 candidates sat the registration assessment in test centres across the UK. Although the majority of candidates were able to complete the assessment with no issues, some candidates experienced delays in starting either Paper 1 or Paper 2 due to IT or other technical i...

Which of the following statements is correct about transdermal drug administration?
a. Most drugs can permeate the skin and enter the systemic circulation.
b. Transdermal absorption achieves a fast onset of drug action.
c. The skin is tolerant to most drugs and chemicals in transdermal delivery systems.
d. Transdermal administration produces minimal variations in drug absorption.
e. Hair follicles are a determinant in limiting transdermal drug absorption.

An organism commonly implicated in the cause of travellers' diarrhea is:
a. Bacteroides fragilis.
b. Escherichia coli.
c. Clostridium difficile.
d. Listeria monocytogenes.
e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

At typical dosing, which of the following antidepressant medications is associated with the highest incidence of nausea?
a. Sertraline
b. Fluoxetine
c. Duloxetine
d. Escitalopram
e. Desvenlafaxine

Which of the following types of neurotransmitter receptors is most responsible for the
decreased risk of extrapyramidal side effects observed with some second generation antipsychotics relative to first generation antipsychotics?
a. Serotonergic
b. Histaminergic
c. Muscarinic
d. Noradrenergic
e. Alpha-adrenergic

Which of the following drugs is an antagonist at the central presynaptic alpha2-adrenergic receptors?
a. Clonidine
b. Terazosin
c. Mirtazapine
d. Risperidone
e. Venlafaxine

Pravastatin inhibits:
a. PCSK9 protein.
b. lipoprotein lipase.
c. vascular oxidative stress.
d. scavenger receptor function.
e. HDL synthesis.

Which of the following organisms is an obligate intracellular bacteria, making it resistant to cell wall-active antibiotics?
a. Escherichia coli
b. Legionella pneumophila
c. Staphylococcus aureus
d. Streptococcus pneumoniae
e. Chlamydophila pneumoniae

A physician wants to switch a terminally-ill patient from slow release morphine sulfate tablets, 15 mg tablets. If a morphine sulfate solution containing 5 mg per mL is prescribed q4h, what volume should be dispensed for a 20 day supply to provide the same pain relief as the tablet regimen?
a. 20 mL
b. 60 mL
c. 80 mL
d. 100 mL
e. 120 mL

Which of the following medications requires an auxiliary label regarding avoiding the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice?
a. Felodipine
b. Amlodipine
c. Levetiracetam
d. Divalproex
e. Gabapentin

The GPhC registration exam results have dropped this year by 8% to 61%.

Which of the following statements concerning midwives and pethidine are true ?
1. A certified midwife may possess and administer pethidine. 2. Details of any supply order must be recorded in the POM
register.
3. Surplus pethidine can be destroyed by the midwife.

A drug active against methicillin-resistant staphylococcal strain is:
A Gentamicin
B Cephalothin
C Erythromycin
D Vancomycin
E Tetracycline

All of the following are true regarding carbamide peroxide except which one?

(A) Carbamide peroxide softens earwax by the foaming action produced when oxygen is
released.
(B) Carbamide peroxide is safe for pharmacist recommendation in patients age 6 years and older.
(C) Appropriate dosing for carbamide peroxide is 5 to
10 drops in the ear two times daily.
(D) Carbamide peroxide should be used for a maximum of 4 days unless otherwise directed.

Which of the following are legally required for the supply of phenobarbital tablets on an NHS prescription issued by a medical practitioner ?

1. It must all be in the prescribers’ own handwriting.
2. It must include the patients age if under 12.
3. It must state the quantity in words and figures.