ExCPT Practice Quiz

Explanation: Ampicillin-sulbactam (Unasyn) piggyback is administered intravenously, typically as an intermittent infusion, not continuously, intrathecally, or subcutaneously.

Explanation: The National Drug Code (NDC) number identifies the manufacturer, product, and package size of a medication.

Explanation: To calculate: 500 mg ÷ 100 mg/mL = 5 mL. Thus, 5 mL of the solution is needed for a 500 mg dose.

Explanation: Reconciling the shipment invoice ensures that the delivered items match the order, which is a standard procedure for noncontrolled substances.

Explanation: Pravastatin (Pravachol) is a statin used to lower cholesterol levels, treating hyperlipidemia.

Explanation: The Durham-Humphrey Amendment established the distinction between prescription and over-the-counter medications, requiring prescription drugs to be labeled “Rx only.”

Explanation: DAW 1 indicates “Dispense as written,” meaning no generic substitution is allowed, as specified by the prescriber.

Explanation: Generic medications must demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand name, meaning they have the same bioavailability (rate and extent of absorption).

Explanation: The BUD for sterile compounds is determined based on the stability of the medication and storage conditions, per USP guidelines.

Explanation: “1 tsp qid pc prn allergy” translates to 1 teaspoon (tsp) four times daily (qid) after meals (pc) as needed (prn) for allergy.

Explanation: Fosamax is the brand name for alendronate, a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis.

Explanation: Prescriptions written in red ink are unusual and may indicate tampering or forgery, as standard prescriptions are typically written in black or blue ink.

Explanation: Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its medical use (e.g., as a local anesthetic) and high potential for abuse. Heroin is Schedule I, while marijuana and mescaline are also Schedule I.

Explanation: To avoid errors, dosages should be written without leading or trailing zeros (e.g., 0.3 g instead of 00.3 g or 0.30 g), per ISMP guidelines.

Explanation: Federal law requires the prescription label to include the expiration date to ensure safe use of the medication.

Explanation: The REMS program aims to ensure that the benefits of certain medications outweigh their risks by informing patients and providers about potential risks.

Explanation: QOD (every other day) is on the ISMP’s list of error-prone abbreviations due to potential confusion with QD (daily). It should be written out as “every other day.”

Explanation: MedWatch is the FDA’s program for voluntarily reporting adverse effects, product issues, or medication errors.

Explanation: Calculate total volume needed: 125 mL/hr × 24 hr = 3,000 mL. Since each bag is 1,000 mL (1 L), 3,000 mL ÷ 1,000 mL/bag = 3 bags.

Explanation: Antitussives (e.g., dextromethorphan) are medications used to suppress or relieve coughing.

Explanation: Pseudoephedrine is regulated under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act and must be stored behind the pharmacy counter due to its potential use in illicit drug manufacturing.

Explanation: VI fl oz (6 fluid ounces) = 6 × 30 mL = 180 mL. Thus, a 180 mL bottle is needed.

Explanation: Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus (Pregnancy Category X).

Explanation: Schedule V substances, such as cough syrups with limited codeine, have the lowest potential for abuse and contain limited quantities of narcotics.

Explanation: The DEA requires exact quantity reporting for Schedule II controlled substances due to their high potential for abuse and strict regulatory oversight.