PTCB Practice Test 4: Order Entry and Processing

Syringes provide the highest accuracy for measuring small liquid volumes, minimizing dosing errors.

“Gtts” means drops, “OS” refers to the left eye, and “BID” means twice daily. Pharmacy technicians must recognize sig codes to ensure accurate prescription entry.

Expired medications should be sent to a DEA-approved reverse distributor for proper disposal to prevent drug diversion and contamination.

Tablet splitting must be confirmed with the prescriber to ensure accurate dosing and stability.

The correct dose should always be dispensed in the least complex form. One 5 mg tablet ensures accuracy and minimizes the risk of dosing errors.

Incorrect concentrations can lead to overdosing or underdosing. The incorrect solution must be discarded, and a new one prepared to ensure patient safety.

Controlled substances require prescriber authorization for early refills. Refilling without verification could lead to misuse.

One teaspoon is equal to 5 mL. This measurement is frequently used in liquid medication dosing.

Storage instructions are typically standardized and not required during prescription entry. Key details include patient information, prescriber credentials, and insurance.

The dilution equation (C₁V₁ = C₂V₂) calculates the volume needed to dilute a solution to a desired concentration.

(7.5 mg/kg × 20 kg) = 150 mg per dose. (150 mg ÷ 100 mg/5 mL) = 7.5 mL per dose. Correct pediatric dosing prevents under- or overdosing.

DEA numbers must follow a formula where the sum of specific digits results in a correct last digit. This ensures validity.

Class A balances provide precise measurements for small quantities, essential for accurate capsule formulation in compounding.

The sig code “i tab PO BID” means “Take one tablet by mouth twice daily.” It is essential for pharmacy technicians to understand sig codes to ensure accurate medication dispensing.

Insulin concentrations vary, affecting dosing. A U-300 to U-100 switch requires prescriber verification to prevent under- or overdosing.

(5 × 3) + (4 × 3) + (3 × 3) + (2 × 3) + (1 × 3) = 36 tablets. Dose tapers require accurate quantity calculations.

Alligation is a method used in compounding to determine the correct proportion of two different strengths to achieve a desired concentration.

All medications, including controlled substances, should be returned to stock if not picked up within the pharmacy’s policy timeframe to ensure inventory accuracy.

Only affected lot numbers should be removed from inventory to prevent unnecessary waste.

Levothyroxine dosing errors can have serious effects on thyroid function. The pharmacist must assess and correct the issue.

A patient’s blood type is not required for prescription entry. Essential details include patient name, prescriber details, drug information, and dosage instructions.

Lot numbers help track drug batches and are essential for recalls and quality assurance in pharmacy operations.

(5 mL × 2 doses/day × 7 days) = 70 mL used. 150 mL – 70 mL = 30 mL remaining. Understanding volume calculations ensures accurate dispensing.

If an insurance plan limits a controlled medication’s quantity, the prescription must be dispensed within that limit. The patient can discuss options with their prescriber.

Medications requiring refrigeration must be stored between 2°C and 8°C to maintain stability and effectiveness.

The NDC is a unique 10-digit code formatted as 5-4-2, where each section identifies the manufacturer, drug, and package size.

(500 mg ÷ 250 mg/5 mL) = 10 mL. Correct calculation ensures accurate pediatric dosing.

Wedgewood mortars are best for grinding powders into fine particles, ensuring even distribution in suspensions.

The DEA mandates that prescription records for controlled substances be kept for at least two years for auditing and compliance.

A digital analytical balance provides precise weight measurements for solid powders in compounding.

Lot numbers track recalls and batch quality. Keeping different lot numbers separate ensures accurate traceability.

Ratio and proportion calculations are used to determine the correct weight of each component in compounded capsules.

The FDA assigns NDC numbers to track prescription and OTC medications, ensuring regulatory compliance and accurate drug identification.

Lot number discrepancies must be reported immediately to prevent medication errors and ensure accurate tracking for recalls.

Using dilution (C₁V₁ = C₂V₂): (20% × X mL) = (10% × 120 mL). Solving for X, we find 60 mL stock solution + 60 mL diluent.

5 mL × 3 times/day × 10 days = 150 mL total needed. Understanding dose calculations ensures correct dispensing.

An analytical balance provides highly accurate measurements needed for weighing powders during compounding.

“M. ft. ung.” means “Mix and make an ointment.” It is commonly used in compounding prescriptions.

The subscription is the part of a prescription that contains instructions for the pharmacist, such as how to prepare or compound the medication.

Expired medications are non-dispensable and must be properly removed from stock to prevent harm.

Glass mortars and pestles are preferred for oily or liquid compounds as they do not absorb substances and are easy to clean.

“q6h” means every six hours, and “PRN” means as needed. This sig code is commonly used for pain medications.

The patient is prescribed up to 12 doses daily (2 puffs every 4 hours), which may exceed insurance coverage. The pharmacist should review alternatives, but a single inhaler should be dispensed per insurance limits.

If only the month and year are listed, the medication expires on the last day of that month. This ensures proper medication usage and safety.

The NDC number is essential for tracking recalled medications and ensuring proper return procedures.

Geometric dilution involves gradually incorporating active ingredients into a base to ensure even distribution.

Geometric dilution involves gradually incorporating active ingredients into the base, ensuring uniform distribution.

Partial fills for Schedule II drugs are allowed under certain conditions, but documentation must follow DEA guidelines.

Since the patient takes half a tablet per day for 30 days, only 15 full tablets are needed. Proper quantity calculations prevent over-dispensing.

Compounded medications have expiration dates to indicate stability and ensure patient safety.