FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

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What do prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) primarily track?

Over-the-counter medication purchases
Illegal drug sales
Controlled substance prescriptions in the states
Patient health outcomes

The correct answer is: Controlled substance prescriptions in the states

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are designed to primarily track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances within a specific jurisdiction, usually at the state level. They serve as databases that compile information about patients, prescribers, and pharmacies, focusing on controlled substances due to concerns about misuse, overprescribing, and the opioid epidemic. By monitoring these prescriptions, PDMPs aim to provide valuable insight that can help clinicians make informed prescribing decisions, identify potential substance use disorders, and reduce the risk of drug diversion. Controlled substances are medications that have a high potential for abuse and dependence, which makes tracking their prescription use particularly important for public health and safety. PDMP data can help alert prescribers to patients who may be receiving prescriptions from multiple doctors or pharmacies, a practice known as "doctor shopping." In contrast, other options like over-the-counter medication purchases do not fall under the jurisdiction of PDMPs, as these medications do not require a prescription. Illegal drug sales are typically monitored by law enforcement rather than PDMPs, and while patient health outcomes may be an indirect consequence of the data gathered, tracking health outcomes is not a primary function of PDMPs.