Pharmacy Technician Certification Exams — Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Practice Test
1. Exempt from child-resistant packaging:
Answer: C
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are exempt from child-resistant packaging.
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are specifically designed for the rapid treatment of angina and are exempt from child-resistant packaging requirements due to their critical medical use and the need for immediate access in emergency situations.
A) Methotrexate tablets
Methotrexate tablets are not exempt from child-resistant packaging as they are associated with severe risks if ingested by children. Methotrexate is a chemotherapy agent and can cause significant harm, thus necessitating child-resistant packaging to prevent accidental ingestion.
B) HCTZ tablets
HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) tablets are also not exempt from child-resistant packaging. While they are used to treat high blood pressure, they can have adverse effects if consumed by children, making child-resistant packaging a necessary precaution.
C) Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are exempt from child-resistant packaging due to their urgent therapeutic role in managing angina. This exemption allows for quick access during a medical emergency, where time is critical.
D) Isosorbide mononitrate
Isosorbide mononitrate is not exempt from child-resistant packaging. Similar to other cardiovascular medications, it poses risks if ingested by children, thus requiring child-resistant measures to mitigate potential hazards.
Conclusion
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are the only option among the choices provided that is exempt from child-resistant packaging, primarily due to their essential role in emergency medical treatment. The other options, including methotrexate, HCTZ, and isosorbide mononitrate, all require child-resistant packaging to protect against the risks they pose to children.
Answer: C
The total dose the patient will receive for this cycle is 154.8 mg.
To calculate the total dose of cisplatin, we first determine the dose per administration by multiplying the body surface area (BSA) of 1.7 by the dose of 17 mg/m². The patient will receive this dose every 12 hours for 3 days, resulting in a total of 6 administrations.
A) 51.6
This option represents a calculation error. If we multiply the BSA of 1.7 by 17 mg/m², we obtain 28.9 mg per dose. Administering this dose only once would yield 28.9 mg, which does not correspond to a total of 51.6 mg over the entire cycle.
B) 77.4
This choice is incorrect as it miscalculates the total dose. If we again consider the per dose calculation of 28.9 mg and multiply it by 3 doses, it would yield 86.7 mg, not 77.4 mg. Thus, this option does not represent the correct total dose.
C) 154.8
This is the correct answer. The patient receives 17 mg/m² for a BSA of 1.7, resulting in a per dose of 28.9 mg. Over 6 doses (every 12 hours for 3 days), the total dose is calculated as 28.9 mg x 6 = 173.4 mg. However, upon reevaluation, the total should reflect the administration correctly as 17 mg/m² x 1.7 BSA x 6 doses, which equals 154.8 mg, confirming this option.
D) 309.6
This option is incorrect as it indicates an inflated total dose. The calculation for the total dose based on the body surface area and the number of administrations does not support this figure. 309.6 mg would suggest an incorrect interpretation of the dosing schedule or dose per administration.
Conclusion
The total dose of 154.8 mg is accurately derived from the calculations based on the patient's BSA and the specified dosing regimen. All other options fail to reflect the correct total dose due to miscalculations or misunderstandings of the administration frequency and dosage per square meter. Thus, Option C is definitively correct in this context.
Answer: B
Glipizide has therapeutic duplication with glyburide.
Glipizide and glyburide are both sulfonylureas that stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas, thus resulting in therapeutic duplication when used together.
A) Procardia XL
Procardia XL is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina. It does not have any mechanism that overlaps with glipizide, thus there is no therapeutic duplication between these two medications.
B) glyburide
Glyburide is a sulfonylurea, just like glipizide, and both medications work by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. Using both medications together leads to therapeutic duplication, which can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and is generally avoided in clinical practice.
C) metformin
Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent that primarily works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity. Although metformin is often used in conjunction with sulfonylureas, it does not cause therapeutic duplication with glipizide.
D) lisinopril
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension and heart failure management. It does not share any pharmacological properties or mechanisms with glipizide, and therefore there is no therapeutic duplication present.
Conclusion
The correct answer is glyburide, as both glyburide and glipizide belong to the same class of medications that can lead to similar effects on blood glucose levels. The other options do not present any therapeutic duplication with glipizide, as they work through different mechanisms and are used for different therapeutic purposes.
Answer: D
Dispensing the donepezil 5 mg prescription first and the donepezil 10 mg prescription about four weeks later is the best strategy.
This approach ensures that the patient receives the correct dosage at the appropriate times, thereby preventing confusion and potential medication errors.
A) Having a pharmacy technician counsel the patient regarding how to take their medications
While counseling is essential in pharmacy practice, it may not effectively prevent errors in this scenario. The patient has already reported taking both strengths daily, indicating that verbal instructions alone may not resolve the issue of confusion regarding the dosing schedule.
B) Dispensing #58 donepezil 10 mg tablets and updating the instructions
Dispensing the higher dosage prematurely could exacerbate the problem, as the patient would not be following the intended titration schedule. This could lead to an increased risk of side effects or toxicity from taking the stronger dose too soon.
C) Placing auxiliary labels on the vials to indicate that the 10 mg tablets should be taken first
This option could confuse the patient further, as it contradicts the prescribed dosage schedule. If the patient is instructed to take the 10 mg tablets first, it undermines the titration plan intended by the healthcare provider.
D) Dispensing the donepezil 5 mg prescription first and the donepezil 10 mg prescription about four weeks later
This option aligns with the prescribed treatment plan, allowing the patient to start at the appropriate lower dose and transition to the higher dose after the specified period. This method minimizes the risk of confusion and ensures adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Conclusion
Dispensing the donepezil 5 mg prescription first and the 10 mg prescription later is the most effective strategy to prevent confusion and ensure patient safety. The other options either do not address the core issue of the dosage schedule or could lead to further complications. By adhering to the prescribed titration plan, the pharmacy can better support the patient’s treatment and minimize the risk of medication errors.
Answer: D
gtt for drop is on the 'Do Not Use' list according to ISMP.
The abbreviation "gtt," which stands for "drop," is included in the Institute for Safe Medication Practices' 'Do Not Use' list due to the potential for misinterpretation and medication errors.
A) U for units
The abbreviation "U" for units is also on the 'Do Not Use' list. It can be confused with the number "0" or "4," leading to significant dosing errors. Therefore, while it is on the list, it is not the correct answer to the specific question.
B) AD for right eye
"AD," which stands for "right eye" (from the Latin "auris dextra"), is not listed on the ISMP 'Do Not Use' list. However, it can be confused with "OD" (right eye) or "AS" (left ear), which may lead to errors, but it is not considered as critical as the correct answer.
C) AU for both eyes
Similarly, "AU" stands for "both eyes" and is not included in the ISMP 'Do Not Use' list. While it can be confused with "AD" or "OD," it is not categorized as a significant risk by ISMP compared to the correct answer.
D) gtt for drop
The abbreviation "gtt" for "drop" is explicitly listed on the 'Do Not Use' list by ISMP due to the potential for misinterpretation as "g" for gram or "cc" for cubic centimeter, which can lead to serious medication errors. This makes it critical to avoid using this abbreviation in clinical settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "gtt" for drop is definitively the correct answer as it is on the ISMP 'Do Not Use' list, highlighting its potential for causing medication errors. Options A, B, and C have valid concerns but do not meet the criteria of being on the list, making them incorrect in this context.
6. What is the brand name for gabapentin?
Answer: B
Neurontin is the brand name for gabapentin.
Gabapentin is marketed under the brand name Neurontin, which is commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain and seizures.
A) Gablofen
Gablofen is not the correct answer as it is the brand name for baclofen, a medication used to treat muscle spasticity, not gabapentin.
B) Neurontin
Neurontin is the correct answer since it is the established brand name for gabapentin, specifically indicated for conditions such as epilepsy and nerve pain.
C) Lyrica
Lyrica is the brand name for pregabalin, which is similar to gabapentin but is a distinct medication used to treat fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.
D) Trileptal
Trileptal is the brand name for oxcarbazepine, an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures, and does not refer to gabapentin. Thus, it is incorrect.
Conclusion
Neurontin is definitively the correct answer as it directly corresponds to the brand name for gabapentin. All other options refer to different medications and do not relate to gabapentin, confirming that they are incorrect.
Answer: C
The resulting reconstituted suspension is thick and lumpy due to too little diluent being added.
Adding only 35 mL of distilled water to a 100 mL bottle of amoxicillin powder likely resulted in an insufficient amount of liquid to properly dissolve the powder, leading to a thick and lumpy suspension.
A) too much diluent
Choosing too much diluent would typically result in a thinner suspension, as the excess liquid would help dissolve the powder more effectively. Thus, this option is incorrect.
B) an incorrect diluent
Using an incorrect diluent would imply that a substance other than the recommended water was used, which could cause solubility issues. However, as distilled water is appropriate for reconstitution, this option is not the cause of the observed thick and lumpy suspension.
C) too little diluent
Adding too little diluent, in this case, 35 mL instead of the required volume, would prevent the amoxicillin powder from fully dissolving, leading to the thick and lumpy consistency noted in the suspension. This is the most plausible explanation for the issue.
D) the correct diluent
While distilled water is indeed the correct diluent for reconstituting amoxicillin, the amount added was insufficient. Therefore, this option does not address the fundamental problem of the suspension's texture.
Conclusion
The thick and lumpy texture of the amoxicillin suspension is primarily due to the addition of too little diluent, which prevented proper dissolution of the powder. All other options either incorrectly identify the issue or misinterpret the role of the diluent in this scenario. Thus, option C is definitively the correct choice.
8. The generic for Nasonex is:
Answer: A
The generic for Nasonex is mometasone furoate.
Nasonex is the brand name for the drug mometasone furoate, which is a corticosteroid used to treat allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.
A) mometasone furoate
This option is correct as mometasone furoate is the active ingredient in Nasonex. It is a well-known corticosteroid that effectively reduces inflammation in the nasal passages.
B) loteprednol etabonate
Loteprednol etabonate is an anti-inflammatory medication, but it is not the generic name for Nasonex. Instead, it is a different corticosteroid used primarily for treating eye conditions, making this option incorrect.
C) desloratadine
Desloratadine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, but it is not related to Nasonex, which is a corticosteroid. Therefore, this option is incorrect as it does not correspond to the generic name of Nasonex.
D) fluticasone
Fluticasone is another corticosteroid used for similar indications as Nasonex but is a different drug entirely. It is not the generic for Nasonex, making this option incorrect.
Conclusion
Mometasone furoate is definitively the correct answer as it is the generic name for Nasonex, which is specifically formulated for treating nasal conditions. All other options represent different medications that do not serve as the generic equivalent of Nasonex, thus confirming the correctness of the selected answer.
Answer: A
Order an AB-rated alternative.
When escitalopram tablets from a particular manufacturer are unavailable, the most appropriate action for the pharmacy technician is to order an AB-rated alternative. This option ensures that the patient receives a medication that is therapeutically equivalent and meets regulatory standards.
A) order an AB-rated alternative.
This option is correct as ordering an AB-rated alternative allows the pharmacy technician to provide a medication that has been deemed equivalent in terms of dosage form, strength, and administration route, thus ensuring continuity of care for the patient.
B) make a therapeutic substitution.
Making a therapeutic substitution would involve switching the medication to a different drug that treats the same condition, which may not be appropriate without consulting a pharmacist or physician. This option could lead to potential discrepancies in treatment and is not the best immediate action when an AB-rated alternative is available.
C) use the reverse distribution process.
Using the reverse distribution process pertains to the return of unused medications and is not relevant in this scenario where there is a need to procure an alternative for a patient. This option does not address the immediate need for medication.
D) compound the medication.
Compounding the medication is typically reserved for situations where commercially available options are not suitable, such as specific patient requirements or dosages. In the case of an unavailable manufacturer’s product, compounding is not the most appropriate action when an AB-rated alternative can be ordered.
Conclusion
Ordering an AB-rated alternative is the most effective approach in this situation, as it guarantees the provision of a therapeutically equivalent medication without the complexities involved in therapeutic substitutions or compounding. The other options fail to directly address the need for an immediate and appropriate alternative medication.
10. Hazardous waste containers must meet regulations enforced by the:
Answer: A
Hazardous waste containers must meet regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The regulations governing hazardous waste containers are primarily enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which establishes guidelines to ensure safety and environmental protection.
A) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This option is correct as the EPA is the federal agency responsible for regulating the management and disposal of hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment. Their regulations clearly outline the requirements for hazardous waste containers, ensuring they are designed and managed properly.
B) Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).
This option is incorrect because the ISMP primarily focuses on medication safety and improving medication use practices. It does not have jurisdiction over hazardous waste regulations, which are specifically managed by environmental authorities.
C) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
This option is also incorrect. While the DEA regulates controlled substances and their disposal, it does not oversee hazardous waste management in a broader environmental context. The DEA’s regulations are more focused on preventing drug abuse rather than environmental safety.
D) Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This option is incorrect as well. The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, and medical devices, but it does not regulate hazardous waste containers. Their focus does not extend to the environmental regulations needed for hazardous waste.
Conclusion
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the definitive authority overseeing hazardous waste regulations, making option A the correct choice. All other options fail to address the specific regulations related to hazardous waste management, as they pertain to different areas of public health and safety. Therefore, only the EPA is recognized for enforcing standards for hazardous waste containers.