1. What volume, in tsp, of a 20 mEq/15 mL solution would deliver a dose of 40 mEq?
A. 2
B. 6 Correct
C. 30
D. 40
Explanation
<h2>6 tsp of a 20 mEq/15 mL solution would deliver a dose of 40 mEq.</h2>
To calculate the required volume to deliver a specific dose, we can use the concentration provided. A 20 mEq per 15 mL solution means that for every 15 mL, there are 20 mEq available. To deliver 40 mEq, we need to determine the volume that corresponds to this dosage.
<b>A) 2</b>
Calculating the volume for 2 tsp (which equals approximately 10 mL), we find that it would only deliver about 13.33 mEq (calculated as 20 mEq/15 mL × 10 mL). This amount is insufficient for the required dose of 40 mEq.
<b>B) 6</b>
For 6 tsp (approximately 30 mL), the calculation yields 40 mEq (20 mEq/15 mL × 30 mL = 40 mEq). This matches the required dosage perfectly and confirms it as the correct answer.
<b>C) 30</b>
A volume of 30 tsp is equivalent to about 150 mL, which would deliver 200 mEq (20 mEq/15 mL × 150 mL). This far exceeds the required dose of 40 mEq, making this option incorrect.
<b>D) 40</b>
Calculating for 40 tsp, or 200 mL, would result in 533.33 mEq (20 mEq/15 mL × 200 mL). This is significantly more than the necessary 40 mEq and not a feasible choice.
<b>Conclusion</b>
To deliver a dose of 40 mEq from a 20 mEq/15 mL solution, the correct volume required is 6 tsp, equating to 30 mL. Other options either provide insufficient dosage or exceed the required amount, demonstrating the importance of accurate volume calculations in medication dosing.
2. According to USP Chapter 800, gowns worn during the preparation of hazardous nonsterile compounds must:
A. have seams or closures that could allow hazardous drugs to reach the skin
B. be selected based on the specific hazardous drugs being handled Correct
C. be made of reusable material to absorb hazardous drug residue
D. have short sleeves and open cuffs to minimize hazardous drug exposure
Explanation
<h2>Gowns worn during the preparation of hazardous nonsterile compounds must be selected based on the specific hazardous drugs being handled.</h2>
Selecting gowns based on the specific hazardous drugs ensures that they provide adequate protection against the unique properties and risks associated with those compounds, including permeability and potential exposure routes.
<b>A) have seams or closures that could allow hazardous drugs to reach the skin</b>
This choice contradicts the fundamental safety principles outlined in USP Chapter 800. Gowns must be designed to prevent hazardous drugs from reaching the skin, so seams or closures that permit drug exposure would be unsafe and unacceptable for handling hazardous materials.
<b>C) be made of reusable material to absorb hazardous drug residue</b>
While gowns may need to be durable, the focus of USP Chapter 800 is on preventing contamination and exposure. Gowns should ideally be disposable or made from materials that are not porous and do not absorb hazardous residues, as absorption could lead to contamination and increased risk of exposure.
<b>D) have short sleeves and open cuffs to minimize hazardous drug exposure</b>
This option suggests designs that would actually increase the risk of exposure rather than minimize it. Gowns should have long sleeves and closed cuffs to ensure that hazardous drugs are contained and do not come into contact with the skin or clothing, thus providing maximum protection during compounding procedures.
<b>Conclusion</b>
The correct approach to gown selection during the preparation of hazardous nonsterile compounds, as mandated by USP Chapter 800, centers on the necessity of tailoring protective gear to the specific hazardous drugs being handled. This ensures that the gown meets safety standards, mitigating the risk of exposure effectively. Choices that propose inadequate protective features undermine the safety protocols essential for handling hazardous materials safely.
3. A pharmacy technician receives an order for azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL PO daily. What dosage form should be dispensed?
A. Tablet
B. Capsule
C. Suspension Correct
D. Suppository
Explanation
<h2>Suspension is the appropriate dosage form to dispense for azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL PO daily.</h2>
Azithromycin is often prescribed in liquid form, especially for pediatric patients or those who have difficulty swallowing pills. The specified dosage of 200 mg/5 mL indicates that a liquid formulation, such as a suspension, is required for accurate dosing.
<b>A) Tablet</b>
Tablets are solid dosage forms that are typically used for medications intended for oral consumption in a fixed dose. Azithromycin in a 200 mg/5 mL formulation indicates a liquid dosage form is necessary, making tablets unsuitable for this particular prescription.
<b>B) Capsule</b>
Capsules are also solid dosage forms that encapsulate the medication in a gelatin shell. While azithromycin is available in capsule form, the specified dosage of 200 mg/5 mL indicates the need for a liquid suspension, which is not compatible with capsule delivery for this prescription.
<b>C) Suspension</b>
Suspensions are liquid formulations that contain solid particles of the medication suspended in a liquid medium. The order for azithromycin at a concentration of 200 mg/5 mL directly corresponds to a liquid suspension, making this the correct choice for dispensing.
<b>D) Suppository</b>
Suppositories are designed for rectal administration and are typically used for patients who may be unable to take medications orally. Given that the order specifies a dosage to be taken orally (PO), a suppository would not be an appropriate form for azithromycin in this case.
<b>Conclusion</b>
For the prescription of azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL PO daily, a suspension is the correct dosage form to dispense, as it fulfills the need for an accurate and practical liquid medication. Solid forms such as tablets and capsules do not meet the dosage requirements, while suppositories are intended for a different route of administration. Thus, suspensions are the most suitable option for this medication requirement.
4. Following reconstitution, Varivax should be administered within a maximum of:
A. 30 minutes Correct
B. 48 hours
C. 7 days
D. 2 weeks
Explanation
<h2>Following reconstitution, Varivax should be administered within a maximum of 30 minutes.</h2>
Once Varivax is reconstituted, it is critical to administer the vaccine promptly within 30 minutes to ensure its effectiveness and maintain its stability. Delaying the administration beyond this timeframe can compromise the vaccine's potency and efficacy.
<b>A) 30 minutes</b>
This choice is correct as Varivax must be given within 30 minutes after reconstitution to ensure that its immunogenic properties remain intact. The vaccine is designed to be effective only within this specified time frame, which is critical for achieving the desired immune response.
<b>B) 48 hours</b>
Administering Varivax 48 hours after reconstitution is incorrect because the vaccine's stability and efficacy cannot be guaranteed beyond 30 minutes. If the vaccine is not used promptly, it may lose its effectiveness, leading to inadequate immunization.
<b>C) 7 days</b>
This choice is also incorrect, as Varivax should not be administered 7 days after reconstitution. Similar to the previous choice, this extended timeframe far exceeds the recommended 30 minutes, resulting in potential loss of vaccine potency and failure to provide the necessary immune protection.
<b>D) 2 weeks</b>
Choosing 2 weeks is incorrect for the same reasons mentioned above. Varivax must be administered immediately after reconstitution; allowing a two-week delay would significantly diminish the vaccine's efficacy and could render it ineffective.
<b>Conclusion</b>
The correct timeline for administering Varivax after reconstitution is crucial for ensuring its effectiveness, with the maximum safe window being 30 minutes. All other options—48 hours, 7 days, and 2 weeks—exceed this limit and could lead to reduced vaccine efficacy, highlighting the importance of adherence to the specified administration timeframe for optimal immunization outcomes.
5. A prescription calls for one capsule of a medication to be administered PO a.c. daily for 14 days. What directions should appear on the label?
A. Take one capsule by mouth daily for 14 days
B. Take one capsule by mouth after a meal once daily for 14 days
C. Take one capsule by mouth before a meal once daily for 14 days Correct
D. Take one capsule by mouth with a meal once daily for 14 days
Explanation
<h2>Take one capsule by mouth before a meal once daily for 14 days.</h2>
The prescription specifies "PO a.c.," indicating that the medication should be taken by mouth (PO) before meals (a.c. stands for ante cibum, Latin for "before meals"). Thus, the correct instructions on the label must reflect this timing and dosage.
<b>A) Take one capsule by mouth daily for 14 days</b>
This choice lacks the crucial detail regarding the timing of ingestion relative to meals. While the dosage and duration are correct, the absence of the "before meals" instruction makes it inaccurate according to the prescription.
<b>B) Take one capsule by mouth after a meal once daily for 14 days</b>
This option contradicts the prescription by indicating that the medication should be taken after a meal. The "a.c." in the prescription clearly specifies that the medication must be taken before meals, rendering this choice incorrect.
<b>C) Take one capsule by mouth before a meal once daily for 14 days</b>
This choice accurately reflects the prescription's instructions, specifying both the correct method of administration (by mouth) and the timing (before meals), along with the dosage and duration required.
<b>D) Take one capsule by mouth with a meal once daily for 14 days</b>
Similar to choice B, this option misrepresents the timing by stating that the medication should be taken with a meal. The prescription’s "a.c." explicitly indicates that the capsule must be taken before meals, making this choice incorrect.
<b>Conclusion</b>
The prescription's instructions are clear in specifying the administration of the medication before meals. The correct label should state to take one capsule by mouth before a meal once daily for 14 days, as this aligns with the directive of "PO a.c." Choices A, B, and D fail to maintain the necessary timing relative to meals, thus confirming C as the only accurate option.