Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

What can be a consequence of poor medication adherence?

1. Enhanced medication effectiveness

2. Increased hospitalization and disease progression

3. Improved patient satisfaction

4. Reduction in medication cost

The correct answer is: Increased hospitalization and disease progression

Poor medication adherence can lead to increased hospitalization and disease progression because when patients do not take their medications as prescribed, it often results in suboptimal management of their conditions. This lack of adherence may allow diseases to worsen, leading to more severe health complications that require more intensive medical intervention, such as hospitalization. Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease particularly emphasize the importance of adherence, as missing doses can cause a destabilization of the patient's health status. Consequently, regular monitoring and treatment become necessary, and this can also elevate healthcare costs due to increased emergency visits or hospital stays.