Download PTCB Exam Questions and Answers: Pharmacy Technician Knowledge and more Exams Pharmacy in PDF only on Docsity!
PTCB EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS
"The physician prescribes 500mg of a drug with is available as 1gm / 2ml, how many milliliters
should this patient receive? - CORRECT ANSWER 1ml
(The patient should receive 1ml. First, 1gm should be converted to 1000mg. Multiply 500mg by 2. Divide the product 1000mg by 1000mg.)"
"Which of the following would be a solution to a patient identifiers error caused by nurses? -
CORRECT ANSWER Use bar coding to identify the patient and medication
(Nurses are now electronically connected to the pharmacy through bar codes. The nurse can ensure accuracy of medication dosage at the patient's bedside before medication is given. The nurse can be alerted to any special notes or warnings.)"
"Which of the following is not part of the personal protective equipment? - CORRECT ANSWER
Jacket (A laboratory jacket may be worn as part of the dress code in an institutional setting, but is not a part of PPE, instead personal will wear gowns or laboratory coats.)"
"Which of the following is not an example of auxiliary labels? - CORRECT ANSWER *Take one
tablet at bedtime* (Take one tablet at bedtime are directions or signa used on a prescription label. Take with food, avoid sunlight and shake well are additional warnings or information to the patient.)"
"Which of the following is a type of computer input device? - CORRECT ANSWER Light pen
(Light pen is an input device. Plotters, speaker and printers are output devices.)"
"Which of the following is a potential side effect of ACE inhibitors? - CORRECT ANSWER *Dry
cough*
(A side effect of ACE inhibitor is a dry cough sometimes hacking cough that does not resolve over time. People who develop this sometimes need to be switched to an alternative class of medication.)"
"The binder for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) consists of how many sections? - CORRECT ANSWER
(The binder for the SDS is now required to consist of 16 sections used for all potentially dangerous chemicals used in the workplace.)"
"Which of the following is on the ISMP High Alert list for community and ambulatory setting? -
CORRECT ANSWER metFORMIN
(High alert medications cause a significant and considerable harm when used in error. metFORMIN is found on the list for community settings.)"
"Which of the following is a 11-digit sequence of numbers assigned to a medication? - CORRECT
ANSWER NDC number
(The National Drug Code identifies the medication through a 5-4-2 segments representing the manufacturer, product and package size. DEA number is used when writing prescriptions for controlled substances. Bar codes are used to identify drug, dosage form and strength. NPI is a unique 10 identification number for covered health care providers.)"
"Which of the following is true regarding prior authorization? - CORRECT ANSWER *The
patient may need to wait 24 - 48 hours before receiving response* (At times patients must wait 24 to 48 hour before a physician will respond to a call made by the pharmacy. If patient do not want to wait they will be responsible for the entire cost of the medication.)"
"How many types of pharmacy interfaces exist? - CORRECT ANSWER 2
(The two types of pharmacy interfaces are pharmacy based system which allows pharmacy to enter prescriptions and facility based system which allows medication order to connect to medical records.)"
"Which of the following is not a quality-related event? - CORRECT ANSWER *Incorrect
pharmacy* (An incorrect pharmacy is not a quality related event because it doesn't involve inappropriate dispensing or administration of a prescribed medication.)"
"The medical term -phagia means which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER Eat
(A - phagia means eat; -algia means pain; -pathy means disease; peri- means around)"
"Which of the following demonstrates the gross profit formula? - CORRECT ANSWER *selling
price - purchase price* (The selling price minus the purchase price of a medication is considered the gross profit. The purchase price plus the cost to dispense is the selling price; overall cost multiplied by desired percent profit is the net profit; selling price minus the overall cost is the profit.)"
"Which of the following is a way pharmacy information systems can be used? - CORRECT
ANSWER Clinical screening
(Clinical screening help pharmacy personnel analyze and filter data to make clinical decisions. Electronic audit request, financial information and codified prescription sig formatting are types of standards created by the NCPDP for electronic exchange.)"
"Which of the following medication is used to treat GERD? - CORRECT ANSWER Ranitidine
(Ranitidine is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Infliximab treats Crohn's disease; Loperamine treats diarrhea; Bisacodyl treats constipation)"
"The transferring of a Schedule II prescription can be done how many times? - CORRECT
ANSWER Zero
(A Schedule II prescription are not transferrable because they can be filled only once. Schedule III
- V prescriptions may be transferred one time only.)"
"Which type of Laminar Flood Hood uses recycled air within the hood? - CORRECT ANSWER
Type B3
(Type B3 uses recycled air with the hood. B1 expel most of the contaminated air. B2 removes all contaminated air to the outside. Type A recirculates a portion of the air.)"
"A prescription is written for Dilantin 125mg/5ml # 16oz, 2 tsp po bid. What is the days supply? -
CORRECT ANSWER 24 days
(First convert dispense quantity to ml's, then determine quantity to be taken in one day. 16oz = 480ml, 2 tsp = 10ml x bid = 20ml. 480ml divided by 20ml)" "A daily log should be kept for medications stored in the refrigerator that must maintain a
temperature of? - CORRECT ANSWER 2 to 8 degrees C
(The refrigerator temperature ranges from 2 to 8 degrees C. All medications have specific storage conditions determined by the manufacturer. 20 to 25 degrees represents controlled room temperature; -25 to -10 degrees represents freezer; 8 to 15 degrees represents cool.)"
"Which of the following is the classification for Vesicare? - CORRECT ANSWER *Overactive
Bladder* (Vesicare is classified as an agent for treatment of overactive bladder.)"
"When entering the information into the computer, which code would be used for the spouse? -
CORRECT ANSWER 02
(The code 02 is used to show the relationship to the cardholder as the spouse. 03 is used for dependent; 00 or 01 can be used for the cardholder.)" "In which section of the drug monograph would you find an abbreviated summary of the most
clinically adverse reactions? - CORRECT ANSWER Warning and precaution
(Warning and precaution sections gives a summary of the most clinically adverse reactions and action taken. Adverse reactions list commonly occurring adverse reactions and incidence of these effects. Overdosage gives information on toxicity and the antidotes. Contraindication are situations in which the drug should not be used.)"
"A physician with a DEA number starting with "X" represents? - CORRECT ANSWER *Opioid
treating practitioner* ("X" is used for prescribers who qualify to order medications used to treat opioid addiction. Mid- level practitioners use the letter "M". The letters A, B, or F are used for all other physicians writing a prescription for controlled substances)" "All the following are classification list of hazardous waste based on ignitability, corrosivity,
reactivity and toxicity except? - CORRECT ANSWER Q list
(Q is not a list for hazardous waste. All other lists F, K, P and U are types of hazardous waste. P and U list may be found in a pharmacy.)"
"Which of the following organization does not track medication errors? - CORRECT ANSWER
Board of Pharmacy (BOP) (The Board of Pharmacy regulates state agencies that oversee the practice of pharmacy. FDA MedWatch is a voluntary program that allows the reporting of adverse events. The Joint Commission address quality of patient care and patient safety. NCCMERP address interdisciplinary causes of medication errors and strategies for prevention.)"
"What storage condition would indicate a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit? - CORRECT
ANSWER Controlled room temperature
(Controlled room temperature range from 59 to 86 degrees; Cold is 36 to 46 degrees; Cool is 46 to 59 degree; Warm 86 to 104 degrees)"
"E-prescribing tools can include all the following except? - CORRECT ANSWER Printers
(Printers are output devices. Software, hardware, and touch screens can be used to transfer prescription data among prescribers and pharmacy.)"
"Which of the following is not a condition that affects the dermatological system of skin? -
CORRECT ANSWER Onychomycosis
(Onychomycosis is fungal condition that affects the nails, and is the most common disease of the nails. It normally starts with the tip of the toe nails. Acne, psoriasis and Urticaria all are conditions that affect the skin.)"
"Pharmacy technicians are not allowed to counsel patients. Which of the following is considered
counseling of a patient? - CORRECT ANSWER Action to take if a dose is missed
(Providing information about action to take if a dose is missed is considered counseling because this decision must be made by the pharmacist.)"
"Which dispense as written codes indicates an override? - CORRECT ANSWER 6
(DAW code 6 indicates an override; 1 indicates substitution not allowed by provider; 3 indicates substitution allowed - pharmacist selected; 4 indicates substitution allowed - generic drug not in stock)" "Insurance companies enact plan limitations to control drug use, which of the following is a
limitation for a mail order pharmacy for days' supply? - CORRECT ANSWER 90
(Days supply restriction for a mail order supplies is 90 days. Retail pharmacies will have a 30 day limit.)"
"A pharmacy technician may perform all of the following tasks except: - CORRECT ANSWER
Advising patients about aspirin"
"Upon passing the PTCB exam, pharmacy technicians earn a: - CORRECT ANSWER *Pharmacy
Technician certificate*" "The federal agency that administers and enforces federal laws for controlled substances such as
narcotics is the: - CORRECT ANSWER DEA"
"Biennial inventory is inventory of all controlled substances on hand to be conducted: -
CORRECT ANSWER Every 2 years"
"Adhering to ethical principles means: - CORRECT ANSWER *Doing the right thing, Complying
with laws and regulations, & Maintaining competency*" "A bothersome or unwanted effect that results from the use of a drug, unrelated to the intended
effect of the drug is a (an): - CORRECT ANSWER Adverse drug reaction"
"When a patient drops off a prescription for the first time, which of the following information is
NOT necessary for the pharmacy to have? - CORRECT ANSWER Marital status"
"The bioavailability (the amount of active ingredient or other substance that enters the
bloodstream) of a drug depends on: - CORRECT ANSWER *The amount of drug dissolved, Its
dosage form, & Its route of administration*" "The DEA Form 41 is required when controlled substances are expired and need to be disposed
of. - CORRECT ANSWER True"
"In which Controlled Substance Schedule does morphine belong? - CORRECT ANSWER
Schedule II" "Calculate the inventory turnover rate if the pharmacy's purchases for the past year were $14,845,222 and the inventory as of December 31 was $655,879 (round to the nearest whole
number). - CORRECT ANSWER 23 times"
"Which of the following corresponds to "refrigerated" by USP standards? - CORRECT ANSWER
2 to 8C (36 to 46F)" "How many 10 mL doses can be packaged from a pint of medication (round down to the nearest
10 mL increment)? - CORRECT ANSWER 47"
"Which of the following is an atypical antipsychotic? - CORRECT ANSWER *Risperidone
(Risperdal)*"
"Which of the following is the brand name for loratidine? - CORRECT ANSWER Claritin"
"What is 25% equal to? - CORRECT ANSWER * 25 out of 100, 0.25, 1/4*"
"Which abbreviation stands for "at bedtime"? - CORRECT ANSWER hs"
"Which of the following is an anticonvulsant? - CORRECT ANSWER phenytoin"
"A patient is supposed to take 375 mg of an antibiotic three times daily for 10 days. The pharmacy dispenses 250 mg per 5 mL suspension. How much should the pharmacy dispense for the full 10-
day supply? - CORRECT ANSWER 225 ml"
"A patient is supposed to take 375 mg of an antibiotic three times daily for 10 days. The pharmacy
dispenses 250 mg per 5 mL suspension. How much must the patient take per dose? - CORRECT
ANSWER 7.5 mL"
"What is one kg equal to? - CORRECT ANSWER 2.2 pounds"
"Which abbreviation stands for "before meals"? - CORRECT ANSWER ac"
"Which of the following is not a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)? - CORRECT ANSWER
heparin" "Mr. Jones presents a prescription for Lantus 100 units/mL (1 vial = 10 mL) with directions: Inject 20 units QAM and 20 units QPM. Dispense one-month supply with three refills. How many vials or
milliliters should be dispensed, and what is the days supply? - CORRECT ANSWER *1,000 units
(1 vial) for 25 days*" "Mrs. Jones comes into your pharmacy with a new prescription for Aricept and a prescription ID card for Medco Medicare Part D plan. You enter the information into the pharmacy system and
get a message that states, 'prior authorization required.' You tell Mrs. Jones that: - CORRECT
ANSWER *she is entitled to a 30-day supply of medication while her physician completes the
paperwork for a prior authorization.*"
"What is the generic name for Cytotec? - CORRECT ANSWER Misoprostol"
"In which classification does DynaCirc belong? - CORRECT ANSWER *Calcium Channel
Blocker*"
"How often must pharmacy scales and weights be evaluated and calibrated? - CORRECT
ANSWER Every 12 months"
"Patient is to be given 90 mg dose of naproxen via suspension containing 25 mg of naproxen per
10 mL. How many mL must be administered? - CORRECT ANSWER 36 mL"
"Which act established revisions to Medicare and Medicaid Conditions of Participation regarding
long term care facilities and pharmacy? - CORRECT ANSWER *Omnibus Reconciliation Act of
"What does the abbreviation NPO mean? - CORRECT ANSWER Nothing by mouth."
"You are planning to prepare 600 mL of 20% dextrose solution, by mixing your 5% and 50%
dextrose solution. How much of each solution will be needed? - CORRECT ANSWER *200 mL
of the 50% and 400 mL of the 5%* (This is an alligation problem, so you will put 50 in the upper left of your tic-tac-toe table, 5 in the lower left, and 20 in the middle. Subtracting across the middle you will put 15 in the upper right and 30 in the lower right. So you need 15 parts of the 50% and 30 parts of the 5%, for a total of 45 parts. Amount of 50% needed will be: (15/45) x 600 = 200 Amount of 5% needed will be: (30/45) x 600 = 400)"
"The action of reducing a material to small particles is: - CORRECT ANSWER Comminution
(There are 3 methods for comminution: trituration, pulverization by intervention, and levigation.)"
"What is DEA form 222 used for? - CORRECT ANSWER To order Schedule II medications."
"Seventy-four degrees Fahrenheit is equal to what temperature in Celsius? - CORRECT
ANSWER 23.3
(9C = 5F -160)"
"The Red Book is a resource that focuses on: - CORRECT ANSWER Drug pricing
(The Red Book is the leading resource for information on drug pricing.)"
"A list of medications available for use within a health care system is called a: - CORRECT
ANSWER Formulary"
"Tall man letters are used for drugs which: - CORRECT ANSWER Have look-alike names"
"According to federal law, DEA forms need to be maintained for __ years. - CORRECT ANSWER
2 years. (These regulations are issued by the Drug Enforcement Agency, which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice.)"
"Laminar flow hoods must be certified every ___ months. - CORRECT ANSWER 6
(Laminar flow hoods are used to remove contaminants and provide clean air to the working area.)"
"Which of the following is NOT used to treat insomnia? - CORRECT ANSWER Chantix"
"What is the brand name for aripiprazole? - CORRECT ANSWER Abilify is an antipsychotic."
"An order is written to administer 2 liters of an IV fluid over 18 hours. What will the flow rate be?
CORRECT ANSWER 111.1 ml/hr
(Divide the volume by the time to get the flow rate: 2 liters equals 2,000 mL 2000/18 = 111.1 mL/hr)"
"What type of drug is loratadine? - CORRECT ANSWER Antihistamine"
"The percent equivalent of a 1:125 ratio is: - CORRECT ANSWER 0.8
(Percent means parts per hundred: 1/125 = x/ Cross multiply: 125x = 100 x = 0.8)" "An order is written for 500 mL of NS to infuse at 40 gtt/min. How long would it take to infuse the
NS if the set delivers 10 gtt/mL? - CORRECT ANSWER 125 minutes
(10 gtt/mL means 10 drops per mL. So for 500 mL you will get: 10 X 500 = 5,000 drops. The flow rate is 40 gtt/min, which means 40 drops per minute, so divide total drops by 40 to get the number of minutes: 5,000/40 = 125.)"
concluded that the generic formulation is therapeutically equivalent to the reference drug. If the first letter is a 'B', the FDA has concluded that the compared drugs are not equivalent. The second letter of the code gives more detailed information about formulations. The Orange Book also lists the patents which are purported to protect each drug.)"
"Which part of the NDC number indicates the manufacturer of a drug? - CORRECT ANSWER
The first 4-5 digits"
"The iPLEDGE program is designed to mitigate the risks associated with taking: - CORRECT
ANSWER Isotretinoin
(Isotretinoin is a medication primarily used to treat cystic acne. Common brands include Absorica, Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Epuris, Isotroin, and Roaccutane. iPLEDGE is a mandatory distribution program that is intended to prevent the use of isotretinoin during pregnancy, due to the high risk of birth defects.)"
"Which of the following is NOT a medication for Parkinson's? - CORRECT ANSWER
amlodipine (amlodipine (Norvasc) is a CCB used to treat hypertension)" "A prescription calls for 25mg of a medication t.i.d. for 7 days. The stock solution is composed of a
100mg/3mL. How many Liters of the stock solution is needed for the order? - CORRECT
ANSWER 0.01575
(The abbreviation t.i.d. means 3 times a day. So 7 days x 3 times per day x 25 mg each = 525 mg total needed. 100/3 = 525/x Cross multiply to solve for x: 100x = 1575 x = 15.75 mL. The answer asks for liters so divide by 1000: 15.75/1000 = 0.01575 L)"
"How many digits is a BIN number? - CORRECT ANSWER 6
(The NCPDP Processor ID Number (BIN) is a six-digit number that health plans can use to process electronic pharmacy claims if they do not use pharmacy benefit cards with a magnetic stripe. Plans that use cards with a magnetic stripe should use the recommended American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) Issue Identifier Number (IIN) for processing electronic pharmacy claims. ANSI issues IIN numbers. NCPDP issues the Processor ID Number (BIN).)" "Which is the proper use of tall man letters to help differentiate these look-alike/sound-alike
medications? - CORRECT ANSWER PARoxetine — FLUoxetine"
"The process by which a health insurance company determines if it should be the primary or secondary payer of medical claims for a patient who has coverage from more than one health
insurance policy: - CORRECT ANSWER Coordination of benefits is important when a patient
is covered by more than one insurance plan. Medicare is often one of the plans involved with COB."
"Which of the following covers inpatient hospitals stays? - CORRECT ANSWER *Medicare Part
A*"
"What is DEA form 106 used for? - CORRECT ANSWER *Theft or loss of controlled
substances.*"
"Which federal law introduced a 'proof-of-efficacy' requirement? - CORRECT ANSWER
Kefauver Harris Amendment"
"Individuals with a severe allergy to penicillin SHOULD NOT receive: - CORRECT ANSWER
amoxicillin"
"How much dextrose is in a 900mL solution of D5W? - CORRECT ANSWER 45 g
(D5W means 5% dextrose in the solution. Calculate: 5% of 900 = 45 g)"
"Which of the following potential hazards are addressed by OSHA regulations? - CORRECT
ANSWER All of these potential hazards are addressed by OSHA regulations.
(OSHA regulations address the following potential hazards in a pharmacy: Exposure to bloodborne pathogens (HIV, Hepatitis B & C), exposure to hazardous chemicals or drugs, exposure of eyes or bodies to corrosive materials, exposure to latex allergy, exposure to wet surfaces that could cause slip and falls, and availability of personal protective equipment.)"
"Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) is a system designed to: - CORRECT ANSWER
Prevent medication errors in healthcare settings.
(The overdose of Coumadin can be treated by administration of Vitamin K1 (Mephyton)."
"Prochlorperazine can be classified as an: - CORRECT ANSWER Anti-emetic
(Compazine (Prochlorperazine) is indicated for treatment of nausea and vomiting and therefore is classified as an anti-emetic (agent that prevent nausea and vomiting)." "A patient is taking Amoxicillin 500 mg by mouth three times a day for 7 days. How many capsules
of 500 mg of Amoxicillin will you dispense for the whole supply? - CORRECT ANSWER 21"
"The cost for 100 tablets of Olanzapine is $420.00. The percentage mark up on the prescription is
15. What will be the retail cost for 30 tablets of the above drug? - CORRECT ANSWER $145"
"How much quantity of 3% Salicylic acid powder is required to mix with a talc powder to prepare a
0.20%, 500 grams of Salicylic acid? - CORRECT ANSWER 33 gm"
"Clopidogrel is classified as an: - CORRECT ANSWER Inhibitor of platelets' aggregation
(Plavix (Clopidogrel) is a blood thinning agent. Agents of this class generally act by inhibiting aggregation of platelets which is thought to be the primary mechanism of blood clotting. It is indicated for prevention of heart stroke in patients with CHF.)" "Which condition is a potential side effect of taking dopamine antagonist, which results in
unwanted, involuntary rhythmic movement? - CORRECT ANSWER Tardive dyskinesia
(Tardive dyskinesia results from taking dopamine antagonist such as phenothiazines or other medications; the symptoms may continue after medication has been discontinued. Extrapyramidal symptoms result from taking antipsychotic medication which results in parkinsonism and tremors. Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder with symptoms of tremor rigidity and bradykinesia. Bradykinesia is slowed movement.)" "Which classification states that a product with a strange color or taste will be recalled according
to FDA requirements? - CORRECT ANSWER Class 3
(Class 3 (lowest) products have a minor defect or other condition that would not harm the patient but that prevents the drug from being sold. Class 1 (highest)products cause harm or prove fatal. Class 2 products found to cause a temporary health problem or to pose a slight threat of serious harm.)"
"Which technique used in compounding describes the mixing of two ingredients of unequal
quantities? - CORRECT ANSWER Geometric dilution
(Geometric dilution is the technique for mixing two ingredients of unequal quantities, whereas one begins with the smallest quantity and add an equal quantity of the larger amount until all ingredients are used. Levigation is the trituration of a powder with a solvent. Pulverization is the reducing of the size of a particle. Blending is the combing of two substances.)"
"Which of the following is not a potential cause of medication error? - CORRECT ANSWER
Wrong physician (The physician is not a part of the types of medication errors. Wrong patient, time and technique are parts of a list on which health care professionals and patients are responsible for identifying and preventing errors when possible.)"
"Which of the following methods should be used in recapping a needle if necessary? - CORRECT
ANSWER One handed scoop
(The one hand scoop method is used is needle needs recapping. Needle should remain attached to the syringe and placed in a red sharps container. Needles should never be bent or directed toward the body.)" "A pharmacy technician needs to be aware that which of the following medication needs a
patient package insert (PPI)? - CORRECT ANSWER Albuterol Inhaler
(Albuteral is a metered dose inhaler that requires that the patient receive a patient package insert. Inderal, Hydrocortisone and Bactroban does not require additional information be given to the patient because of the possibility of adverse effects.)" "Which of the following is a type of inventory required by the Drug Enforcement Agency of all
controlled substances every 2 years? - CORRECT ANSWER Biennial
(Biennial inventory are conducted every 2 years of all controlled substances. Initial is an accurate inventory of all controlled substances take before a new pharmacy opens. Perpetual reflects exactly what is on hand. Physical is conducted on a basis to determine exactly what is on hand.)" "Which of the following part of Medicare is a health plan offered by private insurance companies?
- CORRECT ANSWER Medicare Part C
