Pharmacotherapy Review Course and Practice Exam (No Recert Credit) (Cert # L249007)

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education with Commendation.

These activities are intended for pharmacists who are seeking to update their knowledge and skills commensurate with a board certification examination in the areas listed below.

This course consists of 26 activities (see table below) and provides up to 31 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education credit. The Review Course includes case-based presentations for application to real-life scenarios, a practice exam along with correct answers, and links to the reference sources, and domains, tasks, and knowledge statements. To help you further prepare, this package includes a compilation of practice questions in the same format and rigor to help you prepare for the BPS Specialty Examination.          

After participating in this CPE activity, learners should be able to: 

ACPE Number: 0204-0000-23-622-H04-P

Research Methods and Data Analysis

• Analyze biomedical literature with regard to study methodology, statistical analysis, and significance.
• Explain the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines and protocols.
• Interpret the biomedical literature and its application to clinical practice.

Evidence-based Practice and Resources

• Identify sources of information to use to answer questions in one’s practice, or from patients and healthcare professionals.
• Explain how to provide education regarding evidence-based practice to current and future health care professionals.

Providing Safe and Effective Pharmacotherapy: Key Regulatory and Quality Approaches

• Explain the regulatory and accreditation requirements of a comprehensive medication use program.
• Describe methods to develop and maintain a medication use system.
• Discuss technology used to promote safe and effective medication use.
• Apply national regulations and evidence-based practices for medication safety and quality.
• Interpret results from pharmacotherapy-related quality improvement activities.

ACPE Number: 0204-0000-23-623-H01-P

Cardiovascular Disease: Primary Prevention Case

• Select the appropriate treatment and monitoring for a complex patient-case with multiple conditions, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity.
• State the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for adult immunizations.
• Determine how to advise a patient on point-of-care testing to measure response to drug therapy.
• Discuss national benchmarking standards and implications to patient care.

Cardiovascular Disease: Secondary Prevention Case

• Select the appropriate treatment and monitoring for a complex patient-case with multiple conditions, including atrial fibrillation (AF), acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Develop a plan to address continuity of care issues.
• Formulate a medication therapy plan for smoking cessation.
• Determine how to manage drug – drug and drug-induced disease interactions in a patient with ischemic heart disease.
• Discuss quality of life in this population.
• Discuss national benchmarking standards and implications to patient care.

Complex Heart Failure Case

• Select optimal treatment and monitoring for a complex patient-case with multiple conditions, including heart failure, electrolyte disturbances in acute decompensated heart failure, diabetes, and a thyroid disorder.
• Discuss the medications that should be avoided in heart failure.
• Identify safety issues in this population.

ACPE Number: 0204-0000-23-624-H01-P

Complex HIV/AIDS Case

• Select the appropriate treatment and monitoring of a complex patient-case with multiple conditions, including HIV infection, dyslipidemia, and hepatitis B.
• Identify and manage common drug interactions experienced by HIV-treated patients.
• Identify and manage common adverse drug reactions experienced by HIV-treated patients.
• Determine appropriate medication choices for the treatment and prevention of common opportunistic infections.
• Discuss quality of life issues in terms of medication therapy for HIV-infected patients.
• Discuss recommendations for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Complex Pediatric Asthma Case

• Select optimal treatment and monitoring for a complex patient-case with acute asthma exacerbation, acute otitis media, and seasonal allergies.
• Apply methods for counseling a patient and/or caregiver in asthma self-management with comprehensive documentation of the patient counseling.
• Develop a plan for childhood vaccinations in a child who has been delayed in receiving them.
• Implement principles of shared-decision making and culturally effective care when using complementary/alternative medicine in a pediatric patient.

Complex Pneumonia Case

• Select the appropriate treatment and monitoring for a complex patient-case with multiple conditions, including pneumonia, acute renal insufficiency, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dehydration.
• Interpret clinical data, including lab, physical examination and vital signs.
• Determine and prioritize pneumonia-related treatment goals.
• Determine approaches to manage drug allergies and select next best drug therapy when primary drugs are precluded.
• Discuss approaches to limiting antimicrobial over use by stewarding antibiotic usage appropriately.
• Discuss safety issues in patients receiving treatment for pneumonia.

ACPE Number: 0204-0000-23-625-H01-P

Complex Nursing Home Patient Case

• Select the appropriate treatment for a complex patient-case with multiple conditions, including stroke, depression/anxiety, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and pain.
• Discuss complementary/alternative medicine and safety issues in older adults.
• Discuss quality improvement initiatives and regulations in the nursing home setting.

Oncology and Supportive Care Case

• Select the appropriate treatment and monitoring of a complex patient-case with multiple conditions, including breast cancer, febrile neutropenia, and cancer-associated thromboembolism.
• Compare and contrast current cancer screening recommendations.
• Develop a plan to manage pain and nausea/vomiting in a patient with cancer.
• Discuss safety issues in this population.
• Discuss adherence issues with oral chemotherapy regimens.

ACPE Number: 0204-0000-24-900-H01-P

Cardiac Arrhythmias and Advanced Cardiac Life Support

• Interpret signs, symptoms and diagnostic tests for cardiac arrhythmias.
• Identify drug-related problems, including drug interactions and adverse effects, associated with pharmacotherapy of cardiac arrhythmias.
• Identify strategies to prevent drug-induced arrhythmias.
• Recommend therapy and monitor for cardiac arrhythmias based on patient-specific information, current guidelines and Advanced Cardiac Life Support recommendations.

Heart Failure

• Interpret diagnostic and/or laboratory tests, vital signs and clinical presentation in patients with heart failure.
• Formulate the most appropriate treatment and monitoring plans, based on patient-specific information and current guidelines for patients with heart failure.
• Recommend appropriate modifications of patient-specific treatment plans based on follow up assessment in patients with heart failure.

Selected Topics in Acute Care

• Select the appropriate treatment and monitoring for a complex patient-case with multiple conditions, including pneumonia, acute renal insufficiency, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dehydration.
• Interpret clinical data, including lab, physical examination, and vital signs.
• Determine and prioritize pneumonia-related treatment goals.
• Determine approaches to manage drug allergies and select next best drug therapy when primary drugs are precluded.
• Discuss approaches to limiting antimicrobial over use by stewarding antibiotic usage appropriately.
• Discuss safety issues in patients receiving treatment for pneumonia.

Selected Topics in Critical Care

• Interpret diagnostic and/or laboratory tests, vital signs, and clinical presentation in order to differentiate types of shock (hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic).
• Compare and contrast the pharmacologic agents utilized in shock.
• Recommend the most appropriate therapy and monitoring based on patient-specific information and current guidelines for the treatment of shock, prevention of stress ulcers, and prevention of venous thromboembolism.

Diabetes

• Interpret diagnostic and/or laboratory tests in patients with diabetes.
• Formulate the most appropriate treatment, monitoring, and follow-up plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.
• Evaluate drug-related problems.

ACPE Number: 0204-0000-24-901-H01-P

Fluid, Electrolytes and Nutrition

• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests for fluid, electrolyte, and nutrition status.
• Recommend the most appropriate therapy and monitoring in patients with fluid, electrolyte, and nutritional disorders based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.
• Apply strategies to manage drug-related electrolyte interactions and nutrient interactions.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Recommend appropriate treatment and monitoring, based on drug-specific variables, patient-specific information and clinical practice guidelines.
• Evaluate drug-related problems and response to therapy.
• Recommend modifications of patient-specific treatment plans based on follow up assessment.

Infectious Diseases: Part I

• For the following infectious diseases: c.difficile infection, skin and soft tissue infections, upper respiratory tract infections, community acquired pneumonia
• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests.
• Formulate the most appropriate treatment, monitoring, and follow-up plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.
• Evaluate drug-related problems.

Infectious Diseases: Part II

• For the following infectious diseases: sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, endocarditis, meningitis
• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests.
• Formulate the most appropriate treatment, monitoring, and follow-up plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.
• Manage drug-related problems.

Musculoskeletal and Rheumatic Disorders

• For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout:
  • Formulate the most appropriate treatment and monitoring, based on drug-specific variables, patient-specific information and clinical practice guidelines.
  • Evaluate drug-related problems and response to therapy.
  • Recommend appropriate modifications of patient-specific treatment plans based on follow up assessment.

ACPE Number: 0204-0000-24-902-H01-P

Women’s Health

• Describe pertinent sex-based differences in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics that affect exposure and response to medications.
• Recommend appropriate treatment, monitoring and follow-up plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines for osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms.
• Select appropriate contraceptive options, including emergency contraception, based on patient-specific information.
• Evaluate the safety and efficacy of common therapies used during pregnancy and lactation.
• Develop recommendations for common complications that occur during labor and delivery.

Patient Education and Health Literacy

• Assess considerations for communicating pharmacotherapy plans to various patient populations including pediatrics, geriatrics, using universal health literacy precautions.
• Evaluate methods for educating patients and caregivers on safe and appropriate use of medications and devices.

Neurologic Disorders

• For patients with seizure disorders, Parkinson’s disease, headache and sleep disorders:
  • Evaluate the risks and benefits of drug therapy considering other medication and patient specific factors.
  • Formulate the most appropriate treatment, monitoring and follow-up plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.
  • Evaluate drug-related problems.

Psychiatric Disorders

• For patients with bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or substance abuse disorder:
  • Interpret basic diagnostic factors, clinical presentation, and target symptoms of selected psychiatric disorders.
  • Formulate the most appropriate treatment, monitoring, and follow-up plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.
  • Evaluate drug-related problems and response to therapy.

Kidney Disorders

• For patients with acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease:
  • determine the most appropriate treatment and monitoring based on drug characteristics, patient-specific factors, and current clinical practice guidelines.
  • Manage drug dosing and drug-related complications in patients receiving kidney replacement therapy.

The Core Therapeutic Modules Review Package consists of 10 activities in which faculty review clinical topics and practice skills using a case-based approach. The activities are designed to assist the learner in identifying knowledge gaps in preparation for a pharmacy specialty board examination. In addition to a recorded presentation, each activity includes links to resources for further self-study and a practice test developed in the same format and rigor as the specialty exam.

After participating in these CPE activities, learners should be able to:

Select Topics in Acid-Base Disorders
ACPE #: 0204-0000-21-610-H01-P

For the following specific acid/base disorders - respiratory, metabolic acid base disorders including anion gap/non-anion gap acidosis, renal tubular acidosis, as well as delta gap equation:

•  Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests.
• Recommend the most appropriate treatment and monitoring plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines

Select Topics in Infectious Diseases in Critical Care Patients
ACPE #: 0204-0000-22-643-H01-P

For the following specific infectious disease topics: urinary tract infections, meningitis, catheter related infections, bacteremia, and infective endocarditis:

• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests.
• Recommend the most appropriate treatment and monitoring plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.

Select Neurology Topics in Critical Care Patients
ACPE #: 0204-0000-20-990-H01-P

• For the following specific critical care topics: status epilepticus, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage:
  • Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests.
  • Evaluate benefits and risks of drug therapy considering other medication, and other patient-specific factors.
  • Recommend the most appropriate treatment and monitoring plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.

Alterations in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Critical Care
ACPE #: 0204-0000-21-611-H01-P

• Identify pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) changes that occur in critical illness, and the impact on commonly administered medications in this setting.
• Apply knowledge of general PK/PD changes in critical illness to the following patient-specific factors that further complicate drug dosing:
  • Burns
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)
  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

• Develop a therapeutic strategy to optimize PK/PK for commonly used medications in the intensive care unit. "

Select Topics in Prevention and Supportive Care in Critical Care Patients
ACPE #: 0204-0000-20-991-H01-P

For the following specific critical care topics─stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP), venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, bowel regimens, and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention:

• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests.
• Recommend the most appropriate treatment and monitoring plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.

Select Topics in Toxicology
ACPE #: 0204-0000-21-612-H01-P

For the following specific toxicology topics: acetaminophen, toxic alcohols, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, opioids, and ecstasy:

• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests
• Recommend the most appropriate treatment and monitoring plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.

Select Topics in Pulmonary Disorders
ACPE #: 0204-0000-22-644-H01-P

For the following specific pulmonary disease topics: asthma exacerbation, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary arterial hypertension:

• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests.
• Recommend the most appropriate treatment and monitoring plans based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.

Cardiac Arrhythmias and Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ACPE #: 0204-0000-20-992-H01-P

• Interpret signs, symptoms and diagnostic tests for cardiac arrhythmias.
• Identify drug-related problems, including drug interactions and adverse effects, associated with pharmacotherapy of cardiac arrhythmias.
• Identify strategies to prevent drug-induced arrhythmias.
• Recommend therapy and monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias based on patient-specific information, current guidelines and Advanced Cardiac Life Support guided therapies.

Pharmacotherapy Considerations in the Management of Shock
ACPE #: 0204-0000-20-993-H01-P

• Interpret diagnostic and/or laboratory tests, vital signs, and clinical presentation in order to differentiate types of shock (hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic)
• Compare and contrast the pharmacologic agents utilized in shock
• Recommend therapy and monitoring based on patient-specific information and current guidelines for the treatment of shock

Fluid, Electrolytes, and Nutrition
ACPE #: 0204-0000-22-617-H01-P

• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests for fluid, electrolyte, and nutrition status.
• Recommend the most appropriate therapy and monitoring in patients with fluid, electrolyte, and nutritional disorders based on patient-specific information and current guidelines.
• Apply strategies to manage drug-related electrolyte interactions and nutrient interactions.

Faculty Bios

Brook Barlow, PharmD, BCCCP
Neurocritical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Memorial Hermann Woodlands Medical Center
Woodlands, Texas 

Tina Beck, PharmD, MSCR, BCPS
Associate Professor
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas 

Christopher Betz, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP, FKSHP, Professor*
Sullivan University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Cardiology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Jewish Hospital Rudd Heart & Lung Center - U of L Health
Louisville, Kentucky 

Snehal H. Bhatt, PharmD, AACC, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, FASHP*
Professor of Pharmacy Practice Massachusetts
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Framingham, Massachusetts 

Kalin Clifford, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Division of Geriatrics and Pediatrics
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy
Advanced Practice Pharmacist/Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Geriatrics & Extended Care
VA North Texas Health Care System
Dallas, Texas 

Brooklyn Cobb, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital
Houston, Texas 

Lourdes Cross, PharmD, BCACP, CDCEs
Assistant Professor
Sullivan University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
University of Louisville Hospital
Louisville, Kentucky 

Heather Draper, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Specialist, Emergency Medicine
TrinityHealth Saint Mary's
Grand Rapids, Michigan 

Stuart T. Haines, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, FASHP
Professor and Director, Professional Development
University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy
Jackson, Mississippi 

Kazuhiko Kido, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP
Clinical Assistant Professor
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia 

Patricia C. Kienle, MPA, BCSCP, FASHP
Director, Accreditation and Medication Safety
Cardinal Health Innovative Delivery Systems
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 

Morgan King, PharmD, BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Cleveland Clinic Health System
Cleveland, Ohio 

Mei Liu, PharmD, BCPP
Clinical Assistant Professor
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Piscataway, New Jersey 

Katherine Lusardi, PharmD, BCIDP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, ID & AMS
Baptist Health System
Little Rock, Arkansas 

Krutika Mediwala Hornback, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Infectious Diseases/Antimicrobial Stewardship
MUSC Health
Charleston, South Carolina 

Jill Morgan, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS
Professor and Chair
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Baltimore, Maryland 

Victoria Nachar, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacist Specialist Hematology
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Nicholas Owens, PharmD, BCACP, BCPS
Clinical Associate Professor
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at University of the Sciences
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Thuyvan Phan, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacists Practitioner
UNC Rheumatology Specialty Clinic
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 

Douglas Slain, PharmD, BCPS, AQ-ID*
Professor & Infectious Diseases Clinical Specialist
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia 

Diana Solomon, PharmD, BCCCP
Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, Arizona 

Paul Szumita, PharmD, FCCM, FASHP, BCCCP, BCPS
Director, Clinical Pharmacy Services
Boston, Massachusetts 

Laura H. Waite, PharmD, BCPS, CLS
Assistant Dean of PCP Student Affairs and Admissions
Director of PCP Student Recruitment and Engagement
Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, St. Joseph's University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Kristin Watson, PharmD, BCCP
Associate Professor
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Baltimore, Maryland 

Jon Wietholter, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP
Clinical Associate Professor
West Virginia University School of Pharmacy
Internal Medicine Clinical Specialist
WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital
Morgantown, West Virginia

*Content Matter Experts

Anna M. Jackson, PharmD, BCPS

In accordance with our accreditor’s Standards of Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, ASHP requires that all individuals in control of content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies. An individual has a relevant financial relationship if they have had a financial relationship with an ineligible company in any dollar amount in the past 24 months and the educational content that the individual controls is related to the business lines or products of the ineligible company. 

An ineligible company is any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients. The presence or absence of relevant financial relationships will be disclosed to the activity audience. 

The following persons in control of this activity’s content have relevant financial relationships:

•          Snehal Bhatt: Janssen Pharmaceuticals: speaker's bureau; Inc Astra Zeneca, Inc: advisory board
•          Krutika Mediwala-Hornback: Biomerieux: PI; Cepheid Diagnostics: Speaker's Bureau
•          All other persons in control of content do not have any relevant financial relationships with an ineligible company. 

As required by the Standards of Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, all relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the CPE activity.

Activities can be completed in any order. Each activity consists of audio, video, and/or PDFs and evaluations. Learners must review all content and complete the evaluations to receive continuing pharmacy education credit for each activity. 

Follow the prompts to claim, view, or print the statement of credit within 60 days after completing the activity. 

These activities were developed by ASHP.

To maintain its strict, independent standards for certification, BPS does NOT endorse or provide review information, preparatory courses, or study guides for Board Certification Examinations.