PTCE Exam Must-Study Order Entry and Processing

In the NDC 4235-4221-11, what is represented by the second set of numbers? A. the manufacturer B. the package size C. the product name, strength, and dosage form D. the number of tablets in the medication package

C. the product name, strength, and dosage form Rationale: - The NDC number is 10 digits long and comprised of three sets of numbers that are divided as follows: 1. The first set can be comprised of 4 to 5 digits and represents the manufacturer. 2. The second set is comprised of 3 to 4 digits and represents the product name, strength, and dosage form. 3. The third set is comprised of 2 digits and represents the package size.

If 600 mg of lidocaine powder is suspended in 150 mL of water, what would be the percent concentration of the suspension? A. 0.4% B. 400% C. 40% D. 4%

A. 0.4% Rationale: Step 1: Convert from milligrams to grams: 1 g/1,000 mg = x/600 mg x = (600 x 1) / 1,000 = 0.6 g Step 2: Calculate the percent concentration using the following formula: percent concentration = quantity of active ingredient ( g or mL) x 100 / total quantity (g or mL) percent concentration = (0.6 g/150 mL) x 100 = 0.4% The units of the active and inactive ingredients can only be expressed in grams or milliliters, depending on whether the quantity represents volume or a solid.

If a patient receives 5 mL of a 20% solution, how many milligrams of the solution did he receive? A. 1,000 mg B. 400 mg C. 25 mg D. 1 mg

A. 1,000 mg Rationale: 20% = 20 g/100 mL 20 g/100 mL = x/5 mL x = (20 x 5) / 100 = 1 g = 1,000 mg

A patient with a severe urinary tract infection is ordered 5.5 g of ciprofloxacin to be taken over 14 days. Available at the pharmacy is ciprofloxacin 250 mg tablets. How many tablets should the pharmacy technician dispense for the course of therapy? A. 22 tablets B. 11 tablets C. 308 tablets D. 45 tablets

A. 22 tablets Rationale: Step 1: Convert the ordered dose to milligrams because the medication is available in mg: 1 g/ 1,000 mg = 5.5 g/x x = (5.5 x 1,000) / 1 = 5,500 mg Hint: When you write proportions, always remember to start with your known, which in this case is the equivalency of 1 g/1,000 mg. Then write your unknown, which in this case is 5.5 g/x Also, make sure the units in the known numerator match the units of the unknown numerator and the units in the known denominator match the units in the unknown denominator. If you do not line up your units correctly, you will get a wrong answer. Another way of writing the proportion is as follows: 1 g/5.5 g = 1,000 mg/x However, you should use only one of the above methods to avoid making mistakes. Step 2: Figure out how many tablets to dispense using the following formula: dose ordered / dose available = # of tablets to dispense So 5,500 mg/250 mg = 22 tablets.

After diluting 8 kg of 30% hydrocortisone ointment to 2.5% strength, how many 28 g tubes can be filled? A. 3,428 tubes B. 667 tubes C. 96 tubes D. 336 tubes

A. 3,428 tubes Rationale: Step 1: Convert the following: 8 kg = 8,000 gm Step 2: Calculate the final quantity using the dilution equation: (C1)(Q1) = (C2)(Q2) (30%)(8,000 g) = (2.5%) (x) x = (30 x 8,000) / 2.5 = 96,000 g Step 3: Calculate the quantity of tubes that can be filled: 96,000 g / 28 g = 3,428 tubes

A pharmacy receives an order for a Persantine IV bag for a stress test. Persantine is a radiopharmaceutical dosed at 0.57 mg/kg. How many mg should be added to an IV bag for a patient who weighs 180 lb? A. 46.6 mg B. 143.5 mg C. 694.7 mg D. 225.7 mg

A. 46.6 mg Rationale: Step 1: Convert pounds to kilograms: 1 kg/2.2 lb = x/180 lb x = (180 x 1) / 2.2 = 81.82 kg Step 2: Calculate the dose for the patient: 0.57 mg/kg = x/81.82 kg x = (81.82 x 0.57) / 1 = 46.6 mg

A patient is ordered 300 grains of thyroid tablets. Available in the pharmacy is 300 mg tablets of thyroid. How many tablets should be dispensed? A. 65 tablets B. 59 tablets C. 30 tablets D. 35 tablets

A. 65 tablets Rationale: Step 1: Convert grains to milligrams 1 gr = 60 or 65 mg 1 gr/65 mg = 300 gr/x x = (300 x 65) / 1 = 19,500 mg Step 2: Find out how many tablets should be dispensed: dose ordered / dose available = # of tablets to dispense 19,500 mg/300 mg = 65 tablets

How many milliliters are contained in 2 pints of liquid? A. 946 mL B. 1892 mL C. 454 mL D. 60 mL

A. 946 mL Rationale: - 1 pint = 473 mL - 2 pints = 946 mL

Which of the following is an automated dispensing machine? A. Omnicell B. Baker Cell C. Kirby Lester D. both A and B

A. Omnicell Rationale: - Accu-Dose, Omnicell, Pyxis, and ScriptPro are all automated dispensing systems. Baker Cell and Kirby Lester are digital pill-counting machines.

Which of the following statements is true regarding beyond-use dating of repackaged medications? A. The expiration date should be 6 months or 25% of the remaining manufacturer's expiration, whichever comes first B. It should be 1 year after the manufacturer's expiration date C. It should be 1 year from the date of repackaging without regard to the manufacturer's expiration date D. The expiration date of repackaged medications should be the same as the one provided by the manufacturer.

A. The expiration date should be 6 months or 25% of the remaining manufacturer's expiration, whichever comes first Rationale: - The general rule for beyond-use dating of repackaged medications is that it should be 6 months or 25% of the remaining manufacturer's expiration, whichever comes first, unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer.

Which of the following healthcare professionals may not take a telephone order from a physician? A. pharmacy technician B. registered nurse C. pharmacist D. respiratory therapist

A. pharmacy technician Rationale: - Authorized healthcare professionals who may receive physician telephone orders include registered nurses, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists. However, pharmacy technicians are not authorized to receive telephone orders.

Which of the following refers to the process of moving products with an early expiration date to the front of a shelf and placing products with later expiration dates in the back? A. stock rotation B. stock depletion C. stock turn D. stock arrangement

A. stock rotation Rationale: - Stock rotation is the process of moving products with an early expiration date to the front of a shelf and placing products with later expiration dates in the back so that stock with an earlier expiration date can be used first. This reduces medication waste and therefore is also a cost-saving strategy.

If the strength of a drug is omitted from the prescription, your duty as a pharmacy technician would be to: A. tell the pharmacist B. call the doctor C. guess what strength the drug is supposed to be, because you know the patient's diagnosis D. input the strength that is most ordered for this drug

A. tell the pharmacist Rationale: - When in doubt, consult the pharmacist. Do not attempt to guess on am medication order because that can only lead to medication errors.

A medication that has an expiration date of 12/14 would expire on: A. the last day of December 2014 B. 12/01/14 C. 12/14/14 D. December of 2014

A. the last day of December 2014 Rationale: - Medications expire at midnight on the last day of the expiration month designed by the manufacturer unless the exact expiration date is specified on the medication label. So, if a medication has an expiration of 12/14, it will expire on 12/31/14 at midnight.

A pharmacy technician receives a prescription that reads 2 gtt AU BID. What will the label placed on the patient's medication read? A. two drops in both ears two times daily B. two drops in both eyes two times daily C. two drops in the right ear three times a day D. two drops in the left eye two times daily

A. two drops in both ears two times daily Rationale: 2 gtt: 2 drops AU: Both ears BID: Twice a day Be careful not to confuse AU with OU, which means both eyes. Here are some other abbreviations to watch out for: OD: Right eye (Latin: oculus dexter) OS: Left eye (Latin: oculus sinister) AD: Right ear (Latin: aurio dexter) AS: Left ear (Latin: aurio sinister) Remember that "O" is for ophthalmic and "A" is for ear.

What is 1:125 in percent strength? A. 125% B. 0.8% C. 0.008% D. 0.08%

B. 0.8% Rationale: 1:125 = 1/125 when written as a fraction Convert to percent strength by dividing the numerator by the denominator and multiplying by 100: (1/125) x 100 = 0.8% Or you can write this as a proportion: 1/125 = x/100 x = (1 x 125) / 100 = 0.8%

What is the body surface area for a child who is 90 lb and 165 cm tall? A. 1.3 m^2 B. 1.4 m^2 C. 4.7 m^2 D. 2.2 m^2

B. 1.4 m^2 Rationale: BSA (m^2) = square root of ([Height (cm) x Weight (kg)]) / 3,600 OR square root of ([Height (in) x Weight (lb)]) / 3,131 Method 1: Convert weight into kilograms using proportions: 1 kg = 2.2 lb So 1 kg / 2.2 lb = x / 90 lb and solve for x: x = (1 kg x 90 lb) / 2.2 lb = 40.9 kg Then, plug the numbers into the appropriate equation: - square root of ([40.9 (cm) x 165 (kg)]) / 3,600 = square root of ([6748.5]) / 3,600 = square root of 1.87 = 1.4 m^2 Method 2: Convert height into inches: 1 in. = 2.54 cm, so 1 in / 2.54 cm = x / 165 cm and solve for x: x = (165 cm x 1 in.) / (2.54 cm) = 64.96 in. Then, plug the numbers into the appropriate equation: square root of ([64.96 (in) x 90 (lb)]) / 3,131 = square root of ([5846.5]) / 3,131 = sqaure root of (1.87) = 1.4 m^2

How many 300 mg tablets are needed to make 1,500 mL of a 1:400 solution? A. 12 tablets B. 13 tablets C. 1 tablet D. 20 tablets

B. 13 tablets Rationale: Step 1: Calculate the amount needed in milligrams 1:400 = 1 g/400 mL 1 g/400 mL = x/1,500 mL x = (1 x 1,500) / 400 = 3.75 g = 3,750 mg Step 2: Figure out how many tablets are needed quantity to be dispensed = desired dose / dose available 3,750 mg / 300 mg = 12.5 or 13 tablets

A pharmacy technician receives an order for a child weighing 50 lb whose height is 110 cm. If the adult dose is 250 mg, what is the appropriate child dose? A. 221 mg B. 179 mg C. 83 mg D. 100 mg

B. 179 mg Rationale: Step 1: Convert weight from pounds to kilograms 1 kg/2.2 lb = x/50 lb x = (50 x 1) / 2.2 = 22.7 kg Step 2: Calculate based on the BSA of the child: BSA = sqrt. of weight (kg) x height (cm) / 3,600 BSA = sqrt. of [(50 kg x 110 cm) / 3,600] = 1.24 m^2 child's dose = (BSA of child / 1.73 m^2) x adult dose child's dose = (1.24 m^2 / 1.73 m^2) x 250 mg = 179 mg Hint: This formula is based on the average adult who weighs 140 lbs and has a body surface area of 1.73 m^2.

A pharmacy technician receives a written prescription that reads: Moxifloxacin 0.5% iii gtt OU TID x 7d. If each bottle has a total volume of 5 mL, how many bottles should be dispensed to complete this therapy? A. 1 B. 2 C. 7 D. 8

B. 2 Rationale: Step 1: Calculate the amount of drops needed over the course of the therapy: iii gtt OU TID x 7d = 3 x 2 x 3 x 7 = 126 drops Step 2: Convert the drops to milliliters: 1 mL = 16 drops 1 mL/16 drops = x/126 drops x = (1 x 126) / 16 = 7.875 mL = 7.9 mL or 8 mL Step 3: Figure out how many bottles need to be dispensed. Since each bottle is 5 mL, 2 bottles would need to be dispensed to fill the order. Or use the following formula: dose ordered / does available = # of items to dispense 8 mL / 5 mL = 1.6 or 2 bottles

How many milliliters are in a cup? A. 120 mL B. 240 mL C. 360 mL D. 480 mL

B. 240 mL Rationale: - 1 cup = 8 oz and each 1 oz = 30 mL - 1 oz/30 mL = 8 oz/x x =(8 x30) / 1 = 240 mL Here are some other important conversions to remember: Measure : Equivalent: 1. 1 teaspoon : 5 mL 2. 1 tablespoon : 15 mL or 3 teaspoons 3. 4 mL : 1 dram 4. 1 fl. oz. : 30 mL 5. 1 oz (solid) : 30 g 6. 1 cup : 8 oz 7. 1 quart : 946 mL or 2 pints 8. 1 pint : 2 cups or 16 oz or 480 mL or 473 mL (exact) 9. 1 gallon : 4 quarts or 3,785 mL 10. 1 kg : 2.2 lb 11. 1 grain : 60 or 65 mg 12. 1 lb : 454 g 13. 1 drop : 20 mL

How many days will the following prescription last? Famotidine 20 mg #120 Sig: Famotidine 40 mg po BID A. 28 days B. 30 days C. 32 days D. 34 days

B. 30 days Rationale: - Famotidine 40 mg BID is equivalent to 4 tablets per day. Since the quantity dispensed is 120, divide that number by the number of tablets the patient will be receiving per day (4) to find out how many days the prescription will last. In summary: (total # of tablets) / (# of tablets to be taken per day) = # of days the tablets will last: (120) / (4) = 30 days.

Dr. White prescribed a patient the following prednisolone taper regimen: - Prednisone 40 mg BID QD for 5 days followed by - Prednisone 40 mg QD for 5 days followed by - Prednisone 20 mg QD daily for 11 days How many 20 mg prednisone tablets should be dispensed? A. 51 tablets B. 41 tablets C. 820 tablets D. 104 tablets

B. 41 tablets Rationale: Step 1: Calculate the total amount of medication the patient would receive: 40 mg x 2 x 5 = 400 mg 40 mg x 1 x 5 = 200 mg 20 mg x 1 x 11 = 220 mg Total = 400 + 200 + 220 = 820 mg Step 2: Figure out how many tablets to dispense using the following formula: dose ordered / dose available = # of tablets to dispense 820 mg / 20 mg = 41 tablets

A pharmacy technician is asked to dilute 300 mL of a 50% solution of acetic acid to a 20% concertation. How much diluent should be added? A. 750 mL B. 450 mL C. 120 mL D. 180 mL

B. 450 mL Rationale: Step 1: Use the dilution equation: C1 x Q1 = C2 x Q2 50% x (300 mL) = 20% x (x) x = (50 x 300) / 20 = 750 mL Step 2: Calculate the amount of diluent: volume of diluent = final volume - initial volume volume of diluent = 750 mL - 300 mL = 450 mL Hint: In the dilution equation, the abbreviations are as follows: - C1 is the initial concentration - Q1 is the initial quantity - C2 is the final concentration - Q2 is the final quantity The initial concentration will always be larger than the final concentration and the initial volume will always be smaller than the final volume. This is because in order to break down the concentration, a diluent needs to be added, which results in a larger volume and a smaller concentration.

How many omeprazole 20mg capsules would be required to make the following omeprazole solution? *Omeprazole 2% *Sodium bicarbonate 50% *Qs with 0.45% normal saline to 50mL A. 4 capsules B. 50 capsules C. 125 capsules D. 200 capsules

B. 50 capsules Rationale: Step 1: Calculate quantity of omeprazole needed to make a 50 mL solution: 2/100 = x/50 x = (2 x 50) / 100 = 1 g Step 2: Calculate the quantity of omeprazole capsules needed: 1 g = 1,000 mg 1,000 / 20 = 50 capsules

Amoxicillin suspension is diluted using 100 mL of sterile water to a final volume of 150 mL. What is the powder displacement volume? A. 100 mL B. 50 mL C. 250 mL D. 150 mL

B. 50 mL Rationale: powder displacement volume = finale volume - diluent volume powder volume = 150 mL - 100 mL = 50 mL

A pharmacy technician is given 120 mL of a 20% dextrose solution and is told to dilute it with 6 oz of sterile water. What would be the final percent concentration. A. 13% B. 8% C. 14% D. 20%

B. 8% Rationale: - 1 oz = 30 mL, so 6 oz = 6 x 30 mL = 180 mL. Use the dilution equation: Concentration 1 (C1) x Quantity (Q1) = Concentration (C2) x Quantity (Q2) C1 = 20%, Q1 = 120 mL, Q2 = 180 mL + 120 mL = 300 mL 20% (120 mL) = x (300 mL) x = 2,400 / 300 x = 8%

How much dextrose 70% should be mixed with dextrose 20% to make 400 mL of a 30% dextrose solution? A. 320 mL of the 70% dextrose and 80 mL of the 20% dextrose. B. 80 mL of the 70% dextrose and 320 mL of the 20% dextrose. C. 100 mL of the 70% dextrose and 300 mL of the 20% dextrose. D. 300 mL of the 70% dextrose and 100 mL of the 20% dextrose.

B. 80 mL of the 70% dextrose and 320 mL of the 20% dextrose. Rationale: Step 1: This is an alligation problem. Draw a grid similar to a tic-tac-toe grid and fill it out as follows: 1. Record the desired percentage or the percentage of the final solution that you are making in the middle. 2. Record the higher of the two percentages that you are mixing together in the upper left-hand corner box. 3. Record the lower of the two concentrations that you are mixing together in the lower left-hand corner box. 4. Subtract the numbers from the desired concentration and record the results in the respective diagonal boxes. 70% (Upper left corner) - 30 % (middle) = 40 parts 30% (middle) - 20% (lower left corner) = 10 parts So, 10 parts out of the 70% dextrose are needed and 40 parts out of the 20% dextrose. Total parts = 10 + 40 = 50 parts Step 2: Calculate the amount of dextrose needed of each concentration: 10 parts/50 parts = x/400 mL x = (10 x 400) / 50 = 80 mL of the 70% dextrose 40 parts/50 parts = x/400 mL x = (40 x 400) / 50 = 320 mL of the 20% dextrose Hint: To check your work, add up the sum of the two portions and it should equal the final volume. For this case: 320 mL + 80 mL = 400 mL.

A pharmacy technician receives an order for amoxicillin 20 mg per kg every 12 hours. The patient is a child who weighs 40 lb and whose height is 120 cm. The medication is available in a concentration of 400 mg/5 mL. How much amoxicillin will the patient receive per day? A. 20 mL B. 9 mL C. 10 mL D. 4.5 mL

B. 9 mL Rationale: Step 1: Convert the weight of the patient from pounds to kilograms. 1 lb = 2.2 kg, so 1 kg = 2.2 lb, so 1 kg / 2.2 lb = x / 40 lb and x = (1 kg x 40 lb) / 2.2 lb = 18.18 kg Step 2: Calculate the dose in milligrams: 18.18 kg x 20 mg / kg = 363.6 mg per dose OR 20 mg / 2.2 lb = x / 40 lb and x = 363.6 mg per dose. Step 3: Calculate the amount of medication the patient is to receive per day: 363.6 mg every 12 hours = 363.6 mg x 2 = 727.2 mg Remember there are 24 hours in a day, so every 12 hours would be twice a day. Step 4: Calculate the amount of medication if milliliters: 400 mg/5 mL = 727.2 mg/x x = 9 mL per day or 4.5 mL per dose

A pharmacy technician receives a written prescription that reads: ii gtt AD TID x 2-3 days. Which of the following is the correct translation? A. Instill 2 drops into the left ear three times per day for 2 to 3 days. B. Instill 2 drops into the right ear three times per day for 2 to 3 days. C. Instill 2 drops into the left eye three times per day for 2 to 3 days. D. Instill 2 drops into the right eye three times per day for 2 to 3 days.

B. Instill 2 drops into the right ear three times per day for 2 to 3 days. Rationale: - ii = 2 - gtt = drops - AD = right ear - TID = three times per day

Which of the following sig codes indicates that a medication should be taken after a meal? A. AC B. PC C. QD D. AD

B. PC Rationale: - AC = before meal - PC = after meal - QD = daily or every day - AD = right ear Hint: To remember that AC means before a meal and PC is after a meal, remember that A comes before C in the alphabet.

Which of the following abbreviations does not indicate a route of administration? A. SL B. SR C. PR D. SC

B. SR Rationale: - SL is the abbreviation for sublingual (under the tongue) route. - SR is the abbreviation for sustained release, which refers to a drug formulation. - PR is the abbreviation for per rectum or rectal route. - SC is the abbreviation for subcutaneous route.

Total control of quality of drugs is the responsibility of: A. the pharmacy director B. all pharmacy staff C. the nursing supervisor D. all of the above

B. all pharmacy staff Rationale: - Quality control of drugs is the responsibility of the entire pharmacy department, which includes the pharmacy director, the pharmacists, and the pharmacy technicians. This guarantees the dispensing of the right medication to the right patient at the right time and prevents medication errors.

A pharmacy technician's scope of practice includes all of the following EXCEPT: A. refilling medications B. answering patients' questions regarding their medications C. answering insurance-related questions D. reviewing prescription orders for accuracy of information

B. answering patients' questions regarding their medications Rationale: - Only pharmacists can counsel patients regarding their medications.

Which of the following equipment is required by law to be available in every pharmacy? A. digital balance B. class A balance C. spatula D. pill counting tray

B. class A balance Rationale: - A class A balance or torsion balance is required by law to be available in every pharmacy. This balance has a sensitivity requirement of 6 mg and can accurately weigh a minimum if 120 mg up to 15 g.

A pharmacy technician receives a written prescription that reads: Cortisporin otic ii drops AD TID x 2-3 days. Which of the following is the appropriate route of administration? A. eye B. ear C. orally after meals D. intradermally

B. ear Rationale: - Otic is the medical term for "ear".

Which of the following information is required on the medication label of a prepackaged or repackaged unit-dose medication in an inpatient setting? A. patient's name, date of birth, name of medication, and direction of use B. medication name and strength, lot number, and expiration date C. medication name and strength, lot number, and directions for use D. patient's name, pharmacy name and address, physician's name and the number of refills

B. medication name and strength, lot number, and expiration date Rationale: - Unit-dose packages must have the following information: medication name, dosage form and strength, manufacturer's name, the repackaging lot number, and the repackaging expiration date.

Reducing a substance to fine particles using a mortar and pestle is known as which of the following? A. blending B. triturating C. sifting D. tumbling

B. triturating Rationale: - Blending is the mixing together of two different substances until a homogenous mixture is achieved. - Triturating is the breaking down of compounds into finer particles. - Sifting is the process of eliminating large particles by using a sifter. - Tumbling is the process of mixing by adding different ingredients into a bag or jar and shaking them until a homogenous mixture is achieved.

The cost of metoprolol tablets is $200 per 50 tablets. How much will the cost be for a prescription of 60 tablets if the patient is eligible for a 20% senior citizen discount? A. $240 B. $220 C. $192 D. $48

C. $192 Rationale: Step 1: Calculate the cost of 60 tablets using ratio proportion: $200/50 tablets = x/60 tablets x = (200 x60)/ 50 = $240 Step 2: Calculate the cost of the tablets after discount: 20% = 20/100 = 2/100 x (240) = $48 discount Cost after discount = $240 - $48 = $192.

The total cost of Lovenox 40 mg at Joe's pharmacy is $3,000 for 24 injections. If the pharmacy sells products at AWP + 20% markup + $5 dispensing fee, what is the average wholesale price (AWP) of one injection? A. $125 B. $155 C. $95 D. $144

C. $95 Rationale: Step 1: Calculate the cost of one injection: $3,000/24 injections = x/1 injection x = (3,000 x 1) / 24 = $125 per injection Step 2: Calculate the average wholesale price (AWP): total cost = AWP + 20% markup + $5 dispensing fee AWP = total cost - 20% markup - $5 dispensing fee markup = 20/100 x ($125) = $25 AWP = $125 - $25 - $5 = $95 per injection

If 450 mL of a 20 mg/mL solution was diluted to 5 mg/mL, what would be the final volume? A. 0.2 mL B. 113 mL C. 1,800 mL D. 800 mL

C. 1,800 mL Rationale: - Use the dilution equation: (C1)(Q1) = (C2)(Q2) (20 mg/mL) (450 mL) = (5 mg/mL) (x); x = (20 x 450) / (5) = 1,800 mL Hint: Remember the final concentration is always greater than the initial concentration. If the initial concentration was given in units that differed from the final concentration or vice versa, you would need to convert to the same unit of measure before using the dilution equation.

A pharmacy technician receives an order for Vicodin i-ii tabs po TIB-QID prn x 14d. How many tablets should be dispensed? A. 42 tablets B. 56 tablets C. 112 tablets D. 168 tablets

C. 112 tablets Rationale: - Since the patient should have a sufficient supply of the medication, the dose should be calculated using the maximum amount of tablets that may be needed per day. Step 1: Translate the sig code: Vicodin i-ii tabs po TID-QID prn x 14d = Vicodin 1 to 2 tablets orally three to four times a day as needed for 14 days. Step 2: Calculate the maximum amount of tablets a patient may need per day: Vicodin ii tabs po QID prn = 2 x 4 = 8 tablets Step 3: Calculate the amount of tablets needed for 14 days: 8 x 14 = 112 tablets

How many pounds are there in 36 ounces? A. 3 lb B. 2.5 lb C. 2.25 lb D. 1.5 lb

C. 2.25 lb Rationale: - 1 lb = 16 oz So 1 lb/16 oz = x/36 oz x = (1x36) / 16 = 2.25 lb

How would 8:30 p.m. be expressed in military time? A. 2130 B. 1830 C. 2030 D. 2050

C. 2030 Rationale: - Military time is based on a 24-hour time interval starting with midnight (which is 0000 or 2400) to eliminate the confusion associated with the use of a.m. or p.m. Morning hours are denoted with zeroes in the front. For example: 1:00 a.m. becomes 0100. After 12 noon or 1200, a 100 is added to denote each following hour. For example: 1:00 p.m. becomes 1300 and so on.

How much codeine is found in Tylenol #3? A. 8 mg B. 15 mg C. 30 mg D. 60 mg

C. 30 mg Rationale: - Tylenol #1 contains 8mg of codeine and 325 mg of acetaminophen. - Tylenol #2contains 15 mg of codeine and 300 mg of acetaminophen. - Tylenol #3contains 30 mg of codeine and 300 mg of acetaminophen. - Tylenol #4contains 60 mg of codeine and 300 mg of acetaminophen.

How much dextrose 70% should be mixed with 500 mL of dextrose 10% to make a 45% dextrose solution? A. 292 mL of the 70% dextrose B. 857 mL of the 70% dextrose C. 700 mL of the 70% dextrose D. 1,200 mL of the 70% dextrose

C. 700 mL of the 70% dextrose Rationale: Step 1: This is an alligation problem. Draw a grid similar to a tic-tac-toe grid and fill it out as follows: 1. Record the desired percentage or the percentage of the final solution that you are making in the middle. 2. Record the higher of the two percentages that you are mixing together in the upper left-hand corner box. 3. Record the lower of the two concentrations that you are mixing together in the lower left-hand corner box. 4. Subtract the numbers from the desired concentration and record the results in the respective diagonal boxes. 70% (upper left corner) - 45% (middle) = 25 parts 45% (middle) - 10% (lower left corner) = 35 parts 35 parts out of the 70% dextrose is needed and 25 parts out of the 10% dextrose or 35:25 = 7:5. Total parts = 7 + 5 = 12 parts Step 2: Calculate the amount of 70% dextrose needed: 7 parts/5 parts = x/500 mL x = (7 x 500) / 5 = 700 mL of the 70% dextrose

Which of the following is part of the adjudication process? I. Determination of patient drug coverage eligibility II. Lowering patient payments III. Determination of patient copayment IV. Determination of reimbursement amount to the pharmacy A. I, II, and III only B. I, II, and IV only C. I, III, and IV only D. II, III, and IV only

C. I, III, and IV only Rationale: The adjudication process includes the following: - Determination of patient drug coverage eligibility - Determination of patient copayment - Determination of reimbursement amount to the pharmacy.

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding reverse distributors or automated return companies? A. Revers distributors sort through unused or expired medications to determine which can be returned to the manufacturer or wholesaler for credit B. Reverse distributors warehouses have to be licensed by the Department of Health, Bureau of Statewide Pharmaceutical Services C. Partial intravenous medications, partially used vials, and partially used ointments or creams can be returned to reverse distributors for credit D. Reverse distributors accept the return of recalled items

C. Partial intravenous medications, partially used vials, and partially used ointments or creams can be returned to reverse distributors for credit Rationale: - Revers distributors sort through unused or expired medications to determine which can be returned to the manufacturer or wholesaler for credit. - Reverse distributors warehouses have to be licensed by the Department of Health, Bureau of Statewide Pharmaceutical Services. - Reverse distributors accept the return of recalled items. - Partial intravenous medications, partially used vials, and partially used ointments or creams CANNOT be returned to reverse distributors for credit.

Which of the following is the net cost of medications paid by a pharmacy after applying all adjustments and discounts? A. capitation fee B. copay fee C. actual acquisition fee D. dispensing fee

C. actual acquisition fee Rationale: - A capitation fee is a set amount of money received by a pharmacy from an insurance company per patient regardless of the number of prescriptions filled per year. - A copay fee is a fee paid by the patient at the time of purchase. - The actual acquisition cost (AAC) is the net cost of medications paid by a pharmacy after applying all adjustments and discounts. - A dispensing fee is the cost of filling a prescription incurred by a pharmacy. This includes employee salaries, overhead, and the overall cost of preparing and dispensing the medication.

Which of the following items can be returned to reverse distributors or the manufacturer for credit? A. partially used medication vials B. partially used ointments C. expired drugs D. reconstituted suspensions

C. expired drugs Rationale: - Reverse distributors sort through unused or expired medications. Partially used or reconstituted medications are considered waste and cannot be returned for credit.

Which of the following information is not necessary in determining the status of a patient's insurance coverage? A. gender B. marital status C. food preferences D. the name of the drug plan and identifying numbers

C. food preferences Rationale: - The necessary information for determining insurance coverage of a patient include full name, gender, marital status, birth date, home address and telephone number, name of any and all drug plans and identifying numbers, plan policyholder's name and relation to the patient, and any food or drug allergies.

Which of the following elements of a prescription is not generally required? A. patient name B. home address C. indication D. drug strength

C. indication Rationale: The following are important elements of a prescription: - Name and home address of patient - Date prescription was written - Drug name, dosage form, drug strength, and total quantity - Directions for use, route of administration, frequency, and duration of use - Quantity to be dispensed - Number of refills - Substitution directive (if needed) - Signature of the prescriber - DEA number if a controlled substance is prescribed

Which of the following is a term used to denote directions for a patient? A. superscription B. inscription C. signa D. subscription

C. signa Rationale: - Superscription includes the prescription date, patient name, patient address, patient age, and the symbol Rx, which means "recipe" or "to receive". - Inscription is the part of the prescription that includes the name and amount of the medication prescribed or strength of each ingredient. - Subscription refers to the instructions to the pharmacist, which usually includes the total quantity ti be dispensed.

What does the NCPDP ID identify? A. the insurance provider B. the patient C. the pharmacy D. the prescriber

C. the pharmacy Rationale: - The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) provider identification number is a seven-digit unique pharmacy identification number used during claim processing.

How many grams of lidocaine can be found in 20 mL of a lidocaine 2% solution? A. 0.004 g B. 0.04 g C. 0.4 mg D. 0.4 g

D. 0.4 g Rationale: 2g/100 ml = x/20 mL x = (2 x 20) / 100 = 0.4 g of lidocaine Hint: 2% = 2 in 100 or 2 g/100 mL

Which of the following represents 70% in ratio strength? A. 1:1 B. 1:2.5 C. 1:3 D. 1:1.43

D. 1:1.43 Rationale: 70% = 70/100 70/100 = 1/x x = (1 x 100)/70 = 1.43 So in ratio form, 70% = 1:1.43 To check your work: (1/1.43) x 100 = 70% Hint: when converting to ratio strength, always set the proportion equal to (1/x).

A pharmacy technician receives an order for amoxicillin 125 mg q8h x 10 days. Amoxicillin is available in 100 mL bottles with a concentration of 125 mg/5 mL. How many bottles should be dispensed to complete this order? A. 1.5 B. 1 C. 3 D. 2

D. 2 Rationale: Step 1: Calculate amount of medication needed. Since the concentration of the bottle is 125 mg/5 mL, this indicates that every 5 mL contains 125 mg. So 5 mL x 3 x 10 = 150 mL. Step 2: Figure out how many bottles of medication the patient would need. Since each bottle contains 100 mL, 2 bottles should be disposed. Or you can calculate using the following formula: dose ordered / dose available = # of bottles to dispense 150 mL/100 mL = 1.5 or 2 bottles

A 6-year-old child with fever was ordered 15 mg/kg of Tylenol 160 mg/5 mL. The child weighs 58 lb. How many teaspoons will the child receive per dose? A. 1 teaspoon B. 2 teaspoons C. 3 teaspoons D. 2.5 teaspoons

D. 2.5 teaspoons Rationale: Step 1: Convert pounds to kilograms: 1 kg/2.2 lb = x/58 lb x = (58 x1) / 2.2 = 26.36 kg Step 2: Calculate the dose for the child: 15 mg/kg = x/26.36 kg x = (26.36 x 15) / 1 = 395 mg Step 3: Calculate the dose in milliliters: 160 mg/5 mL = 395 mg/x x = (395 x 5) / 160 = 12.4 mL Step 4: Convert to teaspoons 1 tsp/5 mL = x/12.4 mL x = 12.4/5 = 2.5 teaspoons

What is CCXLIX equivalent to? A. 254 B. 269 C. 240 D. 249

D. 249 Rationale: C = 100 C = 100 = same value as letter to its immediate left The addition rule applies: C + C = 100 + 100 = 200 X = 10 L = 50 = larger value than the letter to its immediate left The subtraction rule applies: L - X = 50 - 10 = 40 I = 1 X = 10 = larger value than the letter to its immediate left The subtraction rule applies: X - I = 10 - 1 = 9 Then add all the values: 200 + 40 + 9 = 249.

A pharmacy technician received an order for IV gtt OU q3-4h x 7d. How many drops will the patient receive over the course of therapy? A. 224 drops B. 168 drops C. 56 drops D. 448 drops

D. 448 drops Rationale: Step 1: Translate the sig code: IV gtt OU q3-4h x 7d = 4 drops in both eyes every 3-4 hours for 7 days. Step 2: Calculate the maximum amount of drops the patient will need per day: IV gtt OU q3h = 4 (drops) x 2 (eyes) x 8 (times a day) = 64 drops Hint: Every 3 hours = 8 times a day because there are 24 hours a day: 24/3 = 8. Step 3: Calculate the amount of drops the patients will receive over the course of therapy: 64 drops x 7 days = 448 drops

If a drug is ordered 1 cap TID x 20 days; what would be the total quantity needed to complete the medication regimen? A. 3 capsules B. 20 capsules C. 1 capsules D. 60 capsules

D. 60 capsules Rationale: 1 cap TID x 20 days = 1 capsule three times a day for 20 days. To find out the number of capsules needed to complete the medication therapy, first find out how many capsules are to be taken per day and then multiply that number by the total number of days: (1 x 3) = 3 capsules per day 3 capsules per day x 20 days = 60 capsules total over 20 days.

A pharmacy technician is needed to dilute 300 g of a 20% lidocaine solution to a 10% concentration. How much is the final quantity of lidocaine? A. 600 mg B. 150 g C. 700 mg D. 600 g

D. 600 g Rationale: - Use the dilution equation: (C1)(Q1) = (C2)(Q2) 20% x (300 g) = 10% x (x) x = (20 x 300) / 10 = 600 g

Which of the following statements is true regarding measurement of liquid using a graduated cylinder? A. Liquids are measured at eye level by reading the top of the meniscus B. Liquids that form an upside-down meniscus are measured at eye level by reading the lowest point. C. Liquids that form an upside-down meniscus are measured at eye level by reading the midpoint between the top and bottom of the meniscus. D. Liquids are measured at eye level by reading the bottom of the meniscus.

D. Liquids are measured at eye level by reading the bottom of the meniscus. Rationale: - To measure liquids in a graduated cylinder, one must read at eye level the lower portion of the meniscus. The meniscus is the concave shape that forms at the top of the graduated cylinder because of liquid's affinity to glass. If the liquid forms an upside-down or convex meniscus, one must read at eye level the highest point of the meniscus.

Brand name drugs are also known as which of the following? A. trade B. proprietary C. innovator D. all of the above

D. all of the above Rationale: - A brand name drug is also known as trade, proprietary, innovator, or pioneer drug. A generic drug would be known as nonproprietary. It can only be produced when the patent for a brand drug expires.

New stock items should be inspected for which of the following? A. expiration date B. damage during shipping C. item names and quantities D. all of the above

D. all of the above Rationale: - All newly received stock items should be inspected for item names and quantities, expiration dates, and any damage during shipping. Damaged and expired or soon-to-be-expired stock received can be returned to the wholesaler for credit.

Quality control of medications encompasses which of the following? A. formulation, compounding, and dispensing B. packaging, purchasing, and storage C. distribution of medication to the patient D. all of the above

D. all of the above Rationale: Quality control of medication encompasses all of the following: - Formulation, compounding, and dispensing - Packaging, purchasing, and storage - Distribution of medication to the patient Failure to properly complete one of the above steps can lead to a preventable medication error.

What is the proper way of handling an unopened prescription vial that was returned by the patient? A. credit the patient and return the medication to stock B. the medication should be credited and destroyed within 72 hours C. a destruction record should be kept on file D. both B and C

D. both B and C Rationale: - Returned medications that are not sealed and intact cannot be returned to stock. It is difficult to determine if medications within a prescription vial were adulterated, mishandled, or somehow contaminated. It is safer to discard them than to reuse them. Returned medications that are unexpired---in an original sealed container, and with unaltered packaging and labels---can be returned to stock if deemed appropriate by the pharmacist.

Who decides if a new drug on the market should be added to the hospital's drug formulary? A. the doctors on staff B. the pharmacy director C. the nursing supervisors D. the pharmacy and therapeutics (P & T) committee

D. the pharmacy and therapeutics (P & T) committee Rationale: - The pharmacy and therapeutics (P & T) committee is composed of physicians, pharmacists, and other health professionals who meet monthly to discuss any matters pertaining to the drug formulary, nonformulary drugs, and investigational drugs. This includes discussions of drug use, cost effectiveness, institutional compliance, distribution, administration, and prescribing of drugs within the institution.