FREE ExCPT Practice Test 1 – 100 Questions

The Scientific Era in pharmacy is primarily defined by the significant development of synthetic medications. This era marked a shift from relying solely on natural sources for drugs to creating medications through chemical synthesis, allowing for mass production and the development of new therapeutic agents. The Traditional Era focused on natural remedies, compounding was more prevalent in earlier periods, and while regulation increased over time, it’s the advent of synthetic drugs that characterizes the Scientific Era. Understanding these historical shifts helps pharmacy technicians appreciate the context of modern pharmaceutical practices, which is relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

For a generic medication to be considered therapeutically equivalent to a brand-name drug, it must meet stringent standards set by regulatory authorities. This includes being pharmaceutically equivalent (same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration) and bioequivalent (releasing the active ingredient at the same rate and extent of absorption). While often less expensive, price is not a criterion for therapeutic equivalence. Being chemically identical and manufactured by the same company are not strict requirements as long as bioequivalence and pharmaceutical equivalence are demonstrated. Understanding generic equivalency is crucial for dispensing and is covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 limits the daily amount of pseudoephedrine that can be purchased to 3.6 grams. Options B, C, and D represent incorrect quantities. Understanding regulations regarding the sale of controlled substances and precursor drugs like pseudoephedrine is crucial for pharmacy technicians and is tested in the ‘Overview and Laws’ section of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The Orange Book, officially known as ‘Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations,’ is published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provides information on the therapeutic equivalence of generic and brand-name drugs. The PDR contains prescribing information for medications. The Handbook of Injectable Drugs provides compatibility and stability information for injectable medications. The Red Book is primarily used for drug pricing information. Understanding how to determine therapeutic equivalence is vital for generic substitution practices in pharmacy, which is relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Certain medications require specific storage conditions, such as refrigeration, to maintain their stability and efficacy. Latanoprost (Xalatan), an eye drop used to treat glaucoma, is one such medication that needs to be refrigerated. Pharmacy technicians must be knowledgeable about proper storage requirements, especially when handling returns. Levothyroxine, lisinopril, and metformin are typically stored at room temperature. Understanding medication storage is a critical aspect of pharmacy practice and is likely to be covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

To calculate the required volume, we can set up a proportion: $\frac{250 \text{ mg}}{5 \text{ mL}} = \frac{750 \text{ mg}}{x \text{ mL}}$. Cross-multiplying gives $250x = 750 \times 5$, so $250x = 3750$. Dividing both sides by 250 yields $x = \frac{3750}{250} = 15$ mL. Therefore, the pharmacy technician should dispense 15 mL of the amoxicillin oral suspension to deliver the ordered 750 mg dose. Accurate dosage calculations are a critical responsibility of pharmacy technicians to ensure patient safety and medication effectiveness.

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP), specifically USP General Chapter Pharmaceutical Compounding—Sterile Preparations, provides comprehensive guidelines and standards for the training of personnel involved in sterile compounding. Adherence to USP is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of compounded sterile products. This knowledge is directly relevant to the ‘Medication Safety and Quality Assurance’ section of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

When preparing to inject a diluent into a vial containing powder medication, a vented needle is essential. The vent in the needle helps to equalize the pressure inside the vial as the diluent is introduced, preventing pressure buildup or vacuum formation that could lead to medication spray or difficulty in drawing the solution. A hypodermic needle is a general-purpose needle for injections, a filter needle is used to remove particulate matter, and a pen needle is designed for use with injection pens, none of which address the pressure equalization needed for powder reconstitution. Understanding the proper equipment for sterile compounding is crucial for pharmacy technicians to ensure medication safety and accuracy, a key competency assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

A prescription written in red ink is an unusual characteristic and could indicate tampering or forgery. While illegible handwriting, the use of multiple abbreviations, and an unusually small dosage might warrant clarification, they are not as strong indicators of forgery as the use of red ink. Pharmacy technicians must be vigilant in identifying potentially fraudulent prescriptions to prevent medication misuse and ensure patient safety, a critical component of medication safety and legal aspects covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

John Morgan is recognized for being one of the first to strongly support the use of written prescriptions by physicians. This practice helped to standardize medication orders and reduce the potential for errors in dispensing. William Procter Jr. is known as the ‘Father of American Pharmacy,’ Benjamin Rush was a physician and signatory of the Declaration of Independence, and Andrew Craigie was the first Apothecary General of the United States. Understanding the historical steps taken to improve medication safety is relevant for pharmacy technicians, as accuracy and error prevention are critical aspects of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Floor stock medications should be inspected daily to ensure that there are no expired, damaged, or recalled products readily available for dispensing to patients. Monthly, weekly, or yearly inspections are not frequent enough to promptly identify and remove potentially harmful medications. Regular inventory checks are a critical component of medication safety and quality assurance, a key area tested in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam within the ‘Medication Safety and Quality Assurance’ domain.

Pantothenic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin B5, which is important for synthesizing coenzyme-A and metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Vitamin B12 is cyanocobalamin, Vitamin B3 is niacin, and Vitamin B1 is thiamine. Familiarity with the different names of vitamins is essential for pharmacy technicians in dispensing and patient counseling. This knowledge is part of the drug therapy domain assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) pharmaceutical compounding guidelines, nonsterile compounded preparations containing water generally have a beyond-use date (BUD) of no later than 14 days when stored in a refrigerator. This guideline ensures the microbiological stability and quality of aqueous preparations. The exact BUD can vary based on specific formulations and stability studies, but 14 days under refrigeration is a common guideline in the absence of specific data. Knowledge of USP standards and beyond-use dating is crucial for pharmacy technicians and is a significant component of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, focusing on medication safety and quality assurance in compounding.

Bioavailability refers to the rate and extent to which the active ingredient or therapeutic moiety is absorbed from a drug product and becomes available at the site of action. The FDA requires generic medications to demonstrate bioequivalence to their brand-name counterparts to ensure they provide the same therapeutic effect. Complexation is a chemical interaction that can affect drug solubility but is not the primary requirement for generic equivalence. Strength refers to the amount of the active ingredient, which must be the same in generic and brand-name drugs, but bioavailability ensures similar absorption. Color is an excipient and does not impact the therapeutic equivalence of a medication. Understanding bioavailability is crucial for pharmacy technicians as it ensures patients receive equivalent therapeutic benefits from generic medications, a key aspect of medication safety and cost-effectiveness in pharmacy practice relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines mandate that contaminated sharps must be discarded in a red biohazard container. These containers are specifically designed to prevent needlestick injuries and the spread of bloodborne pathogens. Blue recycling bins are for recyclable materials, yellow containers are typically for chemotherapy waste, and black containers are for general waste. Proper disposal of sharps is a critical aspect of medication safety and compliance with regulatory guidelines, both of which are important areas covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

A mortar and pestle is a fundamental tool in compounding pharmacies used for various tasks, including trituration, which is the process of grinding powders or crushing tablets into finer particles. This is often necessary when preparing custom formulations or extemporaneous compounds. An electronic balance is used for weighing ingredients, a laminar airflow hood provides a sterile environment for compounding, and an automated counting machine is used for dispensing solid oral dosage forms in community pharmacies. Knowledge of compounding equipment and techniques is relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances under federal law. This classification indicates that they have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse of Schedule III substances may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Understanding the different schedules of controlled substances is a fundamental aspect of pharmacy practice and is a key topic for the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, particularly concerning drug laws and regulations.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is part of the iPLEDGE REMS program due to its significant risk of causing birth defects. A key requirement of this program is that both prescribers and patients must be registered in the iPLEDGE system to ensure safe use of the drug. While other conditions might influence prescribing, REMS registration is a mandatory step for dispensing. Knowledge of REMS programs is crucial for pharmacy technicians and is assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) is a combination antibiotic that includes amoxicillin. Therefore, a patient allergic to amoxicillin should not receive Augmentin due to the risk of an allergic reaction. Azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and clindamycin belong to different antibiotic classes and are generally safe for patients with penicillin allergies. Identifying contraindications based on patient allergies is a critical aspect of ‘Medication Safety and Quality Assurance’ and is tested in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Explaining potential adverse effects of a medication or vaccine is typically within the scope of practice of a pharmacist or other healthcare provider with clinical training and expertise. Pharmacy technicians generally assist with the preparation, storage, and administrative tasks related to immunizations but do not provide clinical counseling. Understanding the scope of practice for different pharmacy roles is crucial for compliance and patient safety, and is a topic covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen is a combination pain medication where acetaminophen is one of the active ingredients. Brand names for this combination include Vicodin, Norco, and Lorcet. Oxycodone is a single-entity opioid analgesic. Oxycodone/Naloxone (e.g., Suboxone) combines an opioid with an opioid antagonist. Oxycodone/Aspirin (e.g., Percodan) combines an opioid with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Pharmacy technicians must be able to identify the components of combination medications to ensure patient safety and prevent potential drug interactions or contraindications, a critical aspect covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

DEA stands for the Drug Enforcement Administration, a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice. It is responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. The DEA plays a critical role in regulating the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances to prevent diversion and abuse. Pharmacy technicians working with controlled substances must adhere to DEA regulations and understand the agency’s role in ensuring public safety.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common class of antidepressant medications used to treat depression. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure, beta-blockers are used for various conditions including hypertension and anxiety, and proton pump inhibitors reduce stomach acid. Understanding the therapeutic classes of medications is essential for pharmacy technicians.

A laminar flow hood should run for at least 30 minutes before sterile compounding begins to ensure that the airflow has purged any contaminants from the work surface and the air within the hood. This allows for the establishment of a sterile environment necessary for preparing sterile medications. Operating the hood for shorter durations may not be sufficient to achieve this level of cleanliness, while running it for longer than 30 minutes before starting is generally not required for routine compounding. Maintaining a sterile environment is paramount in pharmaceutical compounding to prevent infections and ensure patient safety, a critical area of knowledge assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat hair loss. Escitalopram (Lexapro) is an antidepressant, Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an anticonvulsant, and Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is a migraine medication, all of which require a prescription. Pharmacy technicians need to know which medications are available OTC to assist patients appropriately, a topic relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, especially within the ‘Drugs and Drug Therapy’ domain.

Nitroglycerin is highly volatile and can lose its potency if exposed to air, moisture, or light. The original, dark, airtight glass container provided by the manufacturer is specifically designed to protect the medication from these environmental factors, ensuring its stability and effectiveness. Pharmacy technicians should always dispense nitroglycerin in its original packaging and counsel patients on proper storage, a crucial aspect of medication handling and patient education relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Automated dispensing cabinets enhance efficiency but have limitations regarding the types of medications that can be safely stored within them. High-alert medications, which carry an increased risk of causing significant patient harm if used in error, often require independent double checks during the dispensing process, making them unsuitable for ADCs unless specific safety mechanisms are in place. Liquids, solutions, suspensions, and certain topical formulations might pose issues with spillage or contamination within an ADC. Allergy risk medications may require special labeling or segregation not always easily managed in ADCs. Solid oral tablets in unit dose packaging and some prefilled injectables are commonly stored in ADCs. Pharmacy technicians must follow established policies regarding medication storage in automated systems to ensure medication safety.

The abbreviation ‘i tab’ means one tablet, ‘qd’ means once daily, ‘am’ means in the morning, and ‘HBP’ stands for high blood pressure. Therefore, ‘i tab qd am HBP’ translates to ‘Take one tablet by mouth once daily in the morning for high blood pressure.’ The other options misinterpret the frequency of administration. Accurate interpretation of prescription abbreviations is a fundamental skill for pharmacy technicians to ensure correct medication dispensing and patient safety, a key aspect of the dispensing process assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Pulverization by intervention involves dissolving a solid material in a volatile solvent and then triturating (grinding) it as the solvent evaporates, resulting in a finer powder. Trituration is the general process of grinding a solid. Geometric dilution is used for mixing two or more powders of unequal quantities. Spatulation involves mixing powders using a spatula. Understanding different compounding techniques is essential for pharmacy technicians and is assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, particularly in the ‘Dispensing Process’ domain.

When a patient presents a new prescription, the pharmacy technician should acknowledge the patient and, as part of the dispensing process, offer counseling with the pharmacist. The pharmacist is responsible for providing detailed information about the medication, its use, potential side effects, and storage. The technician should not assume the patient knows how to take the medication or only provide the label instructions, as this may not be sufficient.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires contraindications to be published in a medication’s monograph. Contraindications are specific situations in which a drug should not be used because the potential for harm outweighs the potential benefits. Average wholesale price and sales/marketing data are not part of the required medical information in a monograph. Patient testimonials are subjective and not included in official drug information. Understanding the content and purpose of a medication monograph is important for pharmacy technicians to access critical drug information, a skill relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Rosuvastatin is the generic name for the brand name medication Crestor. Atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and lovastatin (Mevacor) are other statins used to treat high cholesterol but are not the generic name for Crestor. Understanding the relationship between generic and brand names is fundamental for pharmacy technicians in tasks such as prescription processing, inventory management, and communicating with healthcare providers, all vital skills for success on the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

When a patient is prescribed a new medication, a pharmacy technician should be particularly mindful of potential drug-to-drug interactions with the patient’s existing medications. This is a critical aspect of medication safety. While pharmacy hours, insurance, and generic availability are important considerations, the immediate concern regarding patient safety is the possibility of adverse interactions. Identifying and preventing drug interactions is a key responsibility of pharmacy personnel and is tested in the Medication Safety and Quality Assurance and Drugs and Drug Therapy sections of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Diflucan is a widely recognized brand name for the generic antifungal medication Fluconazole, used to treat various fungal infections. Lamisil (terbinafine), Nizoral (ketoconazole), and Lotrimin (clotrimazole) are other antifungal medications but are not brand names for Fluconazole. Pharmacy technicians must be knowledgeable about brand and generic names to accurately interpret prescriptions and ensure correct medication dispensing, a crucial skill assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The authority to prescribe medications is granted to healthcare professionals based on their specific medical training and scope of practice. A Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) is a licensed dentist who specializes in oral health and has the authority to prescribe medications for dental-related conditions, such as a toothache. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) treats animals, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) specializes in foot and ankle care, and a Doctor of Optometry (OD) focuses on eye health. Understanding the roles of different healthcare providers is relevant to pharmacy practice and the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The abbreviation OD stands for Doctor of Optometry, a healthcare professional specializing in eye care. DVM represents a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DPM is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (foot and ankle specialist), and DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Recognizing the different types of prescribers and their abbreviations is important for pharmacy technicians to verify the legitimacy and scope of prescriptions. This knowledge is relevant to legal and ethical considerations in pharmacy practice, which are part of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as Aspirin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Loratadine (Claritin) is an antihistamine, Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is a cough suppressant, and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an analgesic and antipyretic but not an NSAID. Recognizing drug classifications and potential allergies is vital for patient safety and is a frequently tested area in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam within the ‘Drugs and Drug Therapy’ domain.

Acetaminophen with codeine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. Schedule III drugs have a moderate potential for abuse, which may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III, and Schedule V drugs have a lower potential for abuse relative to Schedule IV. Pharmacy technicians must accurately identify the schedule of controlled substances to ensure proper handling, dispensing, and record-keeping, all of which are critical components of medication safety and are assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Federal law requires a prescription label to include the prescription’s expiration date (or beyond-use date). The patient’s diagnosis, the prescriber’s phone number, and the prescriber’s DEA number (unless it’s for a controlled substance) are not generally required on the patient-facing prescription label by federal law. Understanding the mandatory labeling requirements is essential for pharmacy technicians to ensure legal compliance and provide patients with necessary information, a component of the dispensing process and legal aspects relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific guidelines for the disposal of contaminated sharps to prevent needlestick injuries and the spread of bloodborne pathogens. These guidelines require that contaminated sharps must be discarded into a rigid, puncture-resistant container that is leak-proof and closable. These containers are typically red and labeled with the biohazard symbol to clearly indicate the presence of hazardous waste. Yellow sharps containers, while sometimes used for medical waste, are not the standard for sharps disposal according to OSHA. White plastic bags and cardboard boxes do not provide the necessary puncture resistance and leak-proof qualities required for safe sharps disposal. Understanding and adhering to OSHA guidelines is vital for pharmacy technicians and is a key component of medication safety and quality assurance in the pharmacy setting, as assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The Medication Error Reporting Program (MERP), managed by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), is a national voluntary and confidential program that allows healthcare professionals to report medication errors and near misses to contribute to learning and prevention strategies. While ASHP is a professional organization, OSHA focuses on workplace safety, and the DEA on controlled substances, MERP is specifically for reporting medication errors. Understanding error reporting mechanisms is crucial for ‘Medication Safety and Quality Assurance’ as tested in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

When a medication is discontinued and returned to the pharmacy, it cannot be simply returned to the patient or reused for another patient due to safety and regulatory reasons. Proper procedure involves setting the medication aside in a designated area, often for a pharmacist to review and determine the appropriate disposition, which may include return to stock (if allowed and appropriate), return to the manufacturer, or proper disposal. Discarding in the general waste bin may not comply with hazardous waste disposal guidelines if the medication is considered hazardous. This scenario relates to medication handling and disposal procedures in institutional settings, which may be relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The second letter of a prescriber’s DEA number is the first letter of their last name. The first letter typically indicates the type of practitioner (e.g., A, B, F, G for physicians, dentists, etc., M for mid-level practitioners, P or R for distributors). Understanding how to validate DEA numbers is crucial for ensuring the legitimacy of controlled substance prescriptions and is a key topic in the ‘Overview and Laws’ section of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The National Drug Code (NDC) is a unique three-segment number. The first segment (0049) identifies the labeler (manufacturer), the second segment (1234) identifies the product (active ingredient, dosage form, and strength), and the third segment (56) identifies the package size and type. Therefore, ‘1234’ represents the medication’s active ingredient and dosage form. Understanding NDC codes is important for inventory management and dispensing accuracy, relevant to the ‘Dispensing Process’ section of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, but they also have a currently accepted medical use in the United States with severe restrictions. Understanding the DEA scheduling of controlled substances is a critical aspect of a pharmacy technician’s responsibilities, particularly concerning inventory management and legal compliance, a topic covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

When a patient expresses concerns about the cost of their medication and its impact on their adherence, the pharmacy technician’s role is to facilitate communication with the pharmacist. The pharmacist can then explore options such as lower-cost alternatives, patient assistance programs, or discuss the importance of adherence with the patient. Offering OTC alternatives for insulin or suggesting dosage adjustments are outside the technician’s scope of practice and could be harmful. This scenario highlights the importance of patient communication and appropriate referral, which are relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam’s focus on patient care.

Flomax is a well-known brand name for the generic medication Tamsulosin, an alpha-blocker primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Cardura (doxazosin), Hytrin (terazosin), and Minipress (prazosin) are also alpha-blockers used for similar conditions but are not brand names for Tamsulosin. Pharmacy technicians need to be proficient in recognizing brand and generic drug names to ensure accurate medication dispensing and patient safety, which are critical components evaluated in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Pharmacy technicians are legally permitted to perform tasks that support the dispensing process under the supervision of a pharmacist. Filling a unit dose cart, which involves preparing medications for administration, is a standard duty. Patient counseling, interpreting prescriptions (especially for controlled substances), and contacting prescribers for clarifications are typically reserved for pharmacists. Understanding the legal boundaries of a pharmacy technician’s role is crucial for the ‘Dispensing Process’ and ‘Overview and Laws’ sections of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Loperamide (Imodium) is an OTC medication classified as an antidiarrheal. It works by slowing down the movement of the gut, which decreases the frequency of bowel movements and helps to make the stool less watery. Cetirizine is an antihistamine, esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor for reducing stomach acid, and pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. Recognizing common OTC medications and their uses is relevant to the ‘Drugs and Drug Therapy’ section of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Confidential error reporting systems are designed to encourage healthcare professionals, including pharmacy technicians, to report medication errors without fear of punishment. This allows for the identification of system weaknesses and the implementation of strategies to prevent future errors, ultimately improving patient safety. While performance reviews, overtime policies, and inventory audits are part of pharmacy operations, they do not directly focus on encouraging medication error reporting. Promoting a culture of safety through error reporting is a key aspect of medication safety and quality assurance, relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The proper technique for cleaning a laminar airflow hood involves wiping all surfaces in a unidirectional, horizontal motion, moving from the back of the hood towards the front. This prevents the introduction of contaminants from the technician’s movements into the critical compounding area. Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant but might not be the primary cleaning agent. Tap water is not sterile and should not be used. Wiping from bottom to top on the sides could introduce contaminants into the airflow. Correct cleaning procedures are vital in sterile compounding and are emphasized in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam under the ‘Medication Safety and Quality Assurance’ domain.

Maintaining a sterile environment in a compounding area is crucial to prevent contamination of sterile preparations. While work surfaces and laminar airflow hoods require more frequent cleaning (e.g., daily or before each batch), other areas like walls, ceilings, and storage shelving are typically cleaned on a monthly basis. Establishing and adhering to a regular cleaning schedule for all areas of the sterile compounding environment is essential for maintaining air quality and minimizing the risk of introducing contaminants. Pharmacy technicians working in sterile compounding must be knowledgeable about these cleaning protocols, as they are critical for medication safety and are likely to be addressed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes national standards for the privacy and security of protected health information. Patient counseling involves discussing a patient’s medication and health information, making it subject to HIPAA regulations. Inventory management, staff scheduling, and medication ordering are primarily administrative functions and do not directly involve the disclosure of protected health information in the same way patient counseling does.

Cyanocobalamin is the chemical name for Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient involved in red blood cell formation and neurological function. Thiamine is Vitamin B1, Riboflavin is Vitamin B2, and Niacin is Vitamin B3. Pharmacy technicians should be familiar with both common and pharmaceutical names of vitamins and supplements as they may encounter them in prescriptions or over-the-counter recommendations. Knowledge of basic pharmacology and common medications, including vitamins, is part of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Schedule II prescriptions have stringent requirements under federal law due to their high potential for abuse. One critical piece of information required on these prescriptions is the prescriber’s DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) number, which verifies their authority to prescribe controlled substances. While patient insurance, prescriber’s office address, and patient’s date of birth are important for dispensing, the DEA number is specifically mandated for Schedule II drugs. This knowledge is essential for pharmacy technicians and is evaluated in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication commonly used to treat ADHD. One of its recognized adverse effects is weight loss, often due to appetite suppression. Increased salivation, constipation, and decreased blood pressure are not typical adverse effects associated with methylphenidate. It’s crucial for pharmacy technicians to understand common side effects of medications to counsel patients effectively and identify potential issues, a key competency evaluated in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, particularly in the ‘Drugs and Drug Therapy’ domain.

Sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) is commonly exempt from child-resistant packaging due to the critical and immediate need for the medication by patients experiencing angina. Delay in accessing the medication due to safety packaging could have severe consequences. Oral tablets, topical creams, and intravenous solutions generally require child-resistant packaging to prevent accidental ingestion by children. Knowing these exceptions is important for pharmacy technicians and aligns with the ‘Medication Safety and Quality Assurance’ principles tested in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The FDA requires that a medication’s monograph includes a section on contraindications, which lists specific situations in which the drug should not be used because the risk of harm outweighs any possible medical benefit. Drug interactions, pharmacokinetics (how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes the drug), and storage requirements are also important sections in the monograph but are distinct from contraindications. Understanding contraindications is vital for pharmacy technicians to ensure patient safety by identifying potential risks before dispensing medications.

According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines, a sterile compounded preparation that begins with non-sterile components is classified as high-risk. This categorization is due to the increased potential for contamination during the compounding process, necessitating stringent sterilization procedures. Pharmacy technicians involved in sterile compounding must adhere to these risk level guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of compounded medications, a critical area assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam related to medication safety and quality assurance.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that all written prescriptions for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, including noncontrolled substances, must be written on tamper-resistant prescription pads. These pads have security features designed to prevent copying, erasure, or alteration of the prescription to reduce fraud and ensure the integrity of the prescribing process. Pharmacy technicians should be aware of these security requirements, an important aspect of pharmacy law and dispensing practices relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Medications that require refrigeration should generally be stored in a temperature range of 2°C to 8°C, which is equivalent to 36°F to 46°F. Maintaining this temperature range is crucial for preserving the integrity and potency of these medications. Storing them at temperatures outside this range can lead to degradation or loss of effectiveness. The other temperature ranges listed are either too cold (potentially freezing the medication) or too warm (leading to instability). Proper medication storage is a fundamental aspect of medication safety and quality assurance in the pharmacy setting and is a key area assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The final step in the prescription filling process, especially for a new patient, is crucial for ensuring accuracy and patient safety. After the medication has been selected, labeled, and all information has been verified, the pharmacist performs a final check to ensure the correct drug, strength, dosage, and quantity have been prepared and that the label is accurate. The pharmacy technician plays a vital role in the preceding steps, but the pharmacist’s verification is the ultimate safeguard before the medication is dispensed to the patient. Understanding the workflow and the importance of each step, including pharmacist verification, is essential for pharmacy technicians and is relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, which emphasizes accuracy and safety in dispensing.

An insurance company may reject a prescription if the National Drug Code (NDC) of the prescribed medication is not covered under the patient’s specific formulary. While a patient preferring a brand name, a prescriber being out of state, or the pharmacy being out-of-network can sometimes cause issues, a non-covered NDC directly relates to the insurance plan’s list of approved medications. Understanding insurance claim rejections and formulary management is part of the dispensing process and billing procedures relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Accurately recording the medication’s lot number during repackaging is essential for tracking in case of recalls or quality control issues. While the expiration date, patient’s date of birth, and prescriber’s DEA number are important for other aspects of dispensing, the lot number specifically identifies the batch of medication. This information is vital for maintaining medication safety and enabling effective communication regarding potential problems with a specific drug batch. Understanding the importance of lot numbers is relevant to the ‘Dispensing Process’ section of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, which emphasizes accuracy and safety in medication handling.

The 8th century in the Middle East saw the significant establishment of the separation between the arts of the apothecary (pharmacist) and physicians. This marked a key step in recognizing pharmacy as a distinct profession focused on the preparation and dispensing of medications, separate from medical diagnosis and prescription. While other developments like standardization and apprenticeships were important, this separation was foundational. Knowing the historical roots of pharmacy helps pharmacy technicians appreciate the profession’s evolution, which can provide context for their role and responsibilities as assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

APAP is the widely recognized abbreviation for acetaminophen, the active ingredient in medications such as Tylenol, commonly used for pain relief and fever reduction. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin (Bayer) are other over-the-counter analgesics but are not represented by the abbreviation APAP. Pharmacy technicians must be familiar with common medication abbreviations to accurately interpret prescriptions and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals, a skill tested in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

A tablespoon (tbsp) is a common unit of volume measurement, particularly in pharmacy for liquid medications. One tablespoon is equivalent to 15 milliliters (mL). Teaspoons (tsp) are smaller, with one teaspoon equaling 5 mL. Understanding these conversions is crucial for accurate dispensing and patient safety, ensuring correct dosages are prepared. For the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, familiarity with common pharmaceutical conversions is essential as it directly relates to the dispensing process and medication safety. Incorrect conversions can lead to medication errors, highlighting the importance of this knowledge for pharmacy technicians.

The abbreviation ‘gtt’ stands for drop(s), ‘ou’ stands for both eyes (oculus uterque), and ‘qPM’ stands for every evening (quaque post meridiem). Therefore, ‘1 gtt ou qPM’ means to instill one drop into both eyes every night. Option 1 refers to oral administration of a tablet. Option 2 involves the ears (‘au’ for both ears). Option 3 indicates administration in the morning (‘qAM’). Accurate interpretation of prescription abbreviations and sig codes is critical for pharmacy technicians to ensure correct medication dispensing and patient safety, a key competency assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

William Procter Jr. is historically honored as the ‘Father of American Pharmacy’ due to his significant contributions to the establishment of the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) and his overall leadership in advancing the pharmacy profession in the United States. Benjamin Franklin was a prominent figure in American history but not specifically in pharmacy. John Morgan advocated for written prescriptions, and Lyman Spalding was instrumental in the development of the United States Pharmacopeia. Understanding key figures in pharmacy history can provide context for the profession’s development and the roles of pharmacy technicians, as relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies recalls based on the potential for adverse health consequences. A Class III recall is issued for products that are unlikely to cause adverse health consequences if used or exposed to. This type of recall is typically for minor violations that do not pose a significant health risk. In contrast, a Class I recall involves a reasonable probability that the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death, and a Class II recall involves a risk of temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Understanding the different classes of recalls is important for pharmacy technicians to ensure appropriate handling of recalled medications and is a topic covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam related to medication safety and quality assurance.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin), are known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially with prolonged use or in patients with a history of GI problems. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is primarily an analgesic and antipyretic with minimal anti-inflammatory effects and a lower risk of GI bleeding. Famotidine (Pepcid) is an H2 receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine. Recognizing potential drug interactions and contraindications, even with OTC medications, is an important aspect of a pharmacy technician’s role, relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Many pharmacies implement a system to highlight medications that are nearing their expiration date to ensure they are dispensed before they expire, reducing potential loss and ensuring patients receive effective medications. A common practice is to identify and flag medications that are within 6 months of their expiration date. This allows sufficient time for these medications to be used. Understanding inventory management and medication dating is an important aspect of a pharmacy technician’s responsibilities, relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Syrups are defined as concentrated solutions of sucrose (or other sugars) in water, often containing flavorings and medicinal substances. Emulsions are mixtures of two immiscible liquids, suspensions are preparations of finely divided drugs dispersed in a liquid medium, and elixirs are clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic solutions. Pharmacy technicians should be familiar with different dosage forms and their characteristics to ensure proper storage and dispensing, a topic covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Federal law strictly regulates Schedule II medications due to their high potential for abuse. A key requirement is that prescriptions for Schedule II drugs cannot be refilled; a new prescription is required for each fill. Oral prescriptions are permitted only in emergency situations, and specific rules apply to partial fills. Understanding these regulations is crucial for pharmacy technicians to ensure legal and safe dispensing practices, a focus of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

In pharmacy and medical documentation, the standard abbreviations for the left ear, right ear, and both ears are AS (auris sinistra), AD (auris dextra), and AU (aures unitas), respectively. These abbreviations are crucial for accurate interpretation of prescriptions and medication instructions to ensure correct administration. Familiarity with common medical abbreviations is essential for pharmacy technicians and is tested in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam to ensure effective communication and prevent medication errors.

Memantine is the generic name for the brand name medication Namenda, an NMDA receptor antagonist used to treat moderate to severe dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne) are cholinesterase inhibitors also used to treat Alzheimer’s but are not the generic name for Namenda. A strong understanding of generic and brand names is essential for pharmacy technicians in dispensing medications and preventing errors, a key aspect of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) generally require patients to obtain a referral from their primary care physician to see a specialist. Point-of-service (POS) plans also typically require referrals, although they offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers at a higher cost. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease and has its own rules regarding specialist access. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) allow patients to see specialists without a referral, offering greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. Understanding different insurance coverage plans and their rules is an essential skill for pharmacy technicians, relevant to patient access and billing aspects covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. Its mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. This includes various industries, including healthcare and pharmacy settings, to protect employees from workplace hazards. Pharmacy technicians, like all healthcare workers, are protected by OSHA regulations concerning workplace safety.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications that include ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin). Patients allergic to one NSAID are typically allergic to others in the same class. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an analgesic and antipyretic but is not an NSAID and therefore would generally be safe for a patient with an NSAID allergy. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in identifying potential drug allergies and interactions to ensure patient safety.

The primary original purpose of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA ’90) was to require pharmacists to offer counseling to Medicaid patients regarding their prescription medications. This legislation aimed to improve patient understanding of their drug therapy, including proper usage, potential side effects, and storage requirements. Over time, many states have extended these counseling requirements to all patients, regardless of their insurance status. While counseling is important for all patient groups, OBRA ’90 initially focused on Medicaid beneficiaries. Understanding the historical and legislative context of pharmacy practice is part of the ‘Overview and Laws’ domain covered in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

OBRA ’90 mandates that pharmacists perform a prospective Drug Utilization Review (DUR) for Medicaid patients before dispensing a new prescription. Additionally, pharmacists are required to offer to counsel these patients about their medications to ensure they understand how to use them correctly and are aware of any potential issues. These requirements aim to improve patient outcomes and are a significant aspect of pharmacy practice and law tested in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Federal law, specifically the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), regulates the dispensing and refilling of controlled substances based on their schedule. Schedule III medications have a moderate potential for abuse. According to these regulations, a prescription for a Schedule III controlled substance can be refilled a maximum of five times within a 6-month period after the date the prescription was issued, provided the prescriber has authorized such refills. Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with these regulations during the dispensing process. Understanding the refill limitations for different schedules of controlled substances is a critical aspect of pharmacy law and is relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, which assesses knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements in pharmacy practice.

Solid dosage forms are medications that are in a solid state at room temperature. Effervescent tablets are a type of solid dosage form that dissolves in a liquid to release medication. Oral solutions are liquids, topical creams are semi-solid emulsions, and injectable suspensions are liquid formulations containing solid particles. Recognizing different dosage forms is fundamental in pharmacy practice, as it affects how medications are stored, dispensed, and administered, a concept frequently tested in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

Drug incompatibilities in compounded sterile preparations can lead to loss of potency, formation of precipitates, or other adverse effects. Minimizing the number of drugs added to a solution reduces the likelihood of such interactions. While using appropriate solvents and being mindful of pH and stability are important, directly limiting the number of components is a key strategy. Large volume parenterals don’t inherently prevent incompatibilities, compounding under heat can degrade some medications, and filtration is typically for removing particulate matter, not preventing chemical incompatibilities. Understanding sterile compounding principles is a specialized area that may be touched upon in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA ’90) contains provisions that require pharmacists to offer counseling to Medicaid patients receiving new prescriptions. While initially focused on Medicaid, many states have expanded these requirements to all patients receiving new prescriptions. This counseling includes information about the medication, its proper use, potential side effects, and storage. Pharmacy technicians often assist in the process that supports pharmacist counseling and should be aware of the legal requirements outlined by OBRA ’90. Understanding key federal acts related to pharmacy practice is essential for pharmacy technicians and is a relevant topic for the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

To determine the appropriate bottle size, the pharmacy technician must convert fluid ounces to milliliters. There are approximately 30 mL in 1 fluid ounce. Therefore, Vl fl oz is equivalent to 6 fluid ounces. Multiplying 6 fl oz by 30 mL/fl oz gives 180 mL. The pharmacy technician should select the 180 mL bottle to accurately dispense the prescribed amount. Accurate conversions are essential in pharmacy practice to ensure patients receive the correct dosage.

To determine the appropriate container size, we need to convert the prescribed amount to ounces: 45 grams ÷ 28.35 grams/ounce ≈ 1.59 ounces. Therefore, the smallest standard container size that can hold at least 1.59 ounces is a 2 ounce jar. A 1 ounce jar would be too small, a 1.5 ounce jar is not a standard size, and a 6 dram vial is a volume measurement (approximately 22 mL or less than 1 ounce by weight for most ointments), making it unsuitable for a 45 gram ointment. Accurate measurement and selection of appropriate dispensing containers are practical skills for pharmacy technicians and are relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, particularly in the dispensing process.

In medical practice, the standard approximation for one teaspoonful (tsp) is 5 milliliters (mL). Furthermore, the standard conversion for milliliters to drops (gtts) using a typical dropper is approximately 20 drops per milliliter. Therefore, one teaspoonful is roughly equivalent to $5 \text{ mL} \times 20 \text{ gtts/mL} = 100$ drops. However, the question asks for the equivalence of 1 mL in drops, which is approximately 20 drops. Pharmacy technicians should be aware of these standard conversions to accurately interpret and dispense medications, especially liquid formulations with specific drop dosages.

NSAID is the abbreviation for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. These medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, work to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation without the hormonal effects associated with corticosteroids. Beta-blockers are used to manage blood pressure and heart conditions. Antihistamines are used to counteract allergic reactions. Corticosteroids, like prednisone, are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that are structurally related to hormones. Recognizing drug classifications and their mechanisms of action is a fundamental aspect of pharmacy practice and is frequently tested in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam to ensure safe medication handling.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is a common ingredient in cold and allergy medications but is also used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. Due to federal and state regulations aimed at preventing its misuse, products containing pseudoephedrine are typically stored behind the pharmacy counter, and their sale is often limited and recorded. Loratadine, famotidine, and diphenhydramine do not have the same restrictions. Knowledge of these regulations is important for pharmacy technicians and is relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The primary goal of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program is to inform patients about the potential risks associated with certain medications. REMS programs are designed to ensure that the benefits of a medication outweigh its risks. Informing patients about privacy notices pertains to HIPAA, material safety data sheets relate to workplace safety, and while controlled medications may have REMS, the program’s focus is broader than just controlled substances. Pharmacy technicians should understand the purpose of REMS to ensure proper dispensing and patient counseling, a crucial aspect of medication safety and patient education emphasized in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The prescription ‘1 tsp qid pc prn allergy’ translates to ‘take one teaspoon (which is equivalent to 5 mL) four times a day (qid) after meals (pc) as needed (prn) for allergy.’ Option C accurately reflects this translation. The other options misinterpret the abbreviations for frequency, timing relative to meals, or the indication. Accurate interpretation of prescription abbreviations and instructions is a critical skill for pharmacy technicians and is thoroughly assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam to ensure safe medication use.

Upon receiving a delivery of noncontrolled substances, it is essential to reconcile the shipment invoice with the purchase order to ensure that the correct medications and quantities have been received. This step helps identify any discrepancies or errors in the delivery. While stocking, organizing, and checking expiration dates are important parts of the receiving process, the initial reconciliation is crucial for accountability. This process is directly related to inventory management and the dispensing process, both relevant topics for the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

For non-sterile compounded preparations containing water, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) provides guidelines for assigning beyond-use dates to ensure stability and prevent microbial contamination. Generally, for water-containing oral formulations, the maximum beyond-use date is 14 days when stored at controlled room temperature. Assigning longer expiration dates could compromise the safety and efficacy of the mouthwash. The NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam assesses a pharmacy technician’s knowledge of compounding guidelines and proper dating of pharmaceutical preparations.

Loperamide (Imodium) is an antidiarrheal medication that works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This action decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery. Recognizing the therapeutic uses of common over-the-counter medications like loperamide is important for pharmacy technicians when assisting patients, a relevant area for the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam focusing on basic pharmacology and patient counseling.

Medication therapy management (MTM) encompasses a range of services provided by pharmacists to optimize drug therapy with the goal of improving therapeutic outcomes for patients. Medication reconciliation is the process of comparing a patient’s medication orders to all of the medications that the patient has been taking. Patient compliance refers to the extent to which a patient’s behavior matches the prescriber’s recommendations. Medication regimen review is a component of MTM but not the overarching term for identifying potential service improvements. Understanding MTM and its components is increasingly important for pharmacy technicians as they support pharmacists in enhancing patient care, a concept relevant to medication safety and quality assurance in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency in the United States responsible for protecting human health and the environment. This includes setting regulations and overseeing the proper management and disposal of hazardous waste, such as certain pharmaceutical waste generated by healthcare facilities like pharmacies. Pharmacy technicians should be aware of EPA regulations regarding hazardous waste disposal to ensure their pharmacy complies with environmental safety standards. Understanding the roles of different regulatory agencies is important in pharmacy practice and may be assessed on the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam, particularly in the context of pharmacy operations and safety.

Buprenorphine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule IV and V drugs have a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule III. Understanding the different schedules of controlled substances is crucial for pharmacy technicians in managing inventory, processing prescriptions, and adhering to legal requirements, all of which are important aspects of the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

USP outlines the minimum standards for sterile compounding to prevent contamination. The proper order for donning PPE is crucial. Shoe covers should be applied first to minimize the introduction of particulate matter from shoes into the cleanroom environment. This is followed by hair and beard covers, a face mask, the gown, and finally, sterile gloves. Adherence to these aseptic techniques and PPE guidelines is a critical component of medication safety in sterile compounding, relevant to the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.

To determine the number of 1-liter bags needed, first calculate the total volume of infusion required over 24 hours: 125 mL/hour × 24 hours = 3000 mL. Since each bag is 1 liter (1000 mL), divide the total volume by the volume per bag: 3000 mL / 1000 mL/bag = 3 bags. Therefore, three 1-liter bags of D5W will be needed for the 24-hour infusion. This type of calculation is relevant to understanding medication orders and IV fluid administration, which may be assessed in the NHA CPhT™ ExCPT exam.