PTCB Exam Review Guide, Answered & Explained, 2022
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), abbreviations used
during prescription writing:
A. are no longer acceptable. B. improve entry time. C. are prone to errors. D. facilitate
the prescriber.
- The key (C) is correct because the Institute for Safe Medication Practices has a list of
error-prone abbreviations that should never be used when communicating medical
information because they are frequently misinterpreted and involved in harmful
medication errors. Distractor (A) is incorrect as ISMP does not state that all
abbreviations are error prone. Distractors (B) and (D) are not correct as ISMP's mission
relates to medication safety not reduction in prescription processing times.
The best reference for obtaining storage requirements for a particular drug is the: A.
Physicians' Desk Reference. B. Merck Index. C. Drug Facts and Comparisons.
- D. USP-NF
The key (D) is correct because the USP-NF contains drug monographs that include
storage requirements. Distractor (A) provides drug dosage, side effects, and
interactions. Distractor (B) is incorrect because the Merck Manual is a medical
textbook. Distractor (C) provides clinical drug information.
A pharmacy technician must administer 1000 mL of TPN solution at 75 mL/hr. If the
set delivers 20 gtt/mL, the flow rate, in gtt/min, will be:
A. 20 B. 25 C.30 D. 35
- The key (B) is correct because if you multiply 75 mL/hr x 20 gtts/mL x 1 hour/60
min you get 25 gtt/min.
Which of the following brand/generic pairs is correct?
A. Decadron/prednisone B. Aleve/ketoprofen C. Premarin/estradiol D.
Ativan/lorazepam
- The key (D) is correct because the generic name for Ativan is lorazepam. Distractor
(A) is incorrect because the generic name for Decadron is dexamethasone. Distractor
(B) is incorrect because the generic name for Aleve is naproxen sodium. Distractor (C)
is incorrect because the generic name for Premarin is conjugated estrogen.
The form used to report theft or significant loss of controlled substances is:
A. DEA 106 B. DEA 222 C. FDA 356 D.FDA 766
,- The key (A) is correct as it is the DEA form used to report theft or loss. The
distractors are incorrect because Distractor (B) is a DEA official order form for
narcotics. Distractor (C) is an FDA application form for new drug. Distractor (D) is an
FDA application form for relabeling.
Before using a laminar flow hood, the interior surfaces should be cleaned with:
A. methyl alcohol.
B. chlorhexidine gluconate.
C. 70% isopropyl alcohol.
D. 70% ethyl alcohol.
- The key (C) is correct because 70% isopropyl alcohol does not have a negative effect
on the acrylic surfaces of the laminar flow hood. Distractors (A), (B), and (D) would
compromise the acrylic surfaces.
The auxiliary label for amoxicillin oral suspension should contain which of the
following instructions?
A. Take with food
B. May cause urine discoloration
C. Shake well
D. May cause drowsiness
- The key (C) is correct because medication that is a suspension must be shaken to
distribute the particles throughout the liquid for an accurate dose of medication.
Distractors (A), (B), and (D) do not apply to an amoxicillin suspension.
An essential component of pharmacy quality assurance programs is to:
A. maintain standards set by the DEA.
B. focus on the individual employee's work performance.
C. get the right drug to the right patient at the right time.
D. provide adequate emergency stock levels
- The key (C) is correct because pharmacy quality assurance programs are put in place
to guarantee the "rights" of pharmacy practice. Although Distractors (A) and (D) may
be included in the program, they are not essential components. Distractor (B) is
incorrect because quality assurance programs are intended to apply to performance of
the department rather than individuals.
Which of the following, when combined with acetaminophen 325 mg, would be a
generic substitute for Tylenol No. 4?
, A. Codeine 15 mg
B. Codeine 60 mg
C. Oxycodone 7.5 mg
D. Oxycodone 10 mg
- The key (B) is correct. Distractor (A) does not come in a combination product.
Distractors (C) and (D) are generic Percocet in two different strengths.
A reverse distributor for pharmaceuticals:
A. distributes pharmaceuticals to hospitals
B. removes and disposes of pharmaceutical waste.
C. transports medications from the manufacturer to the wholesaler.
D. transports medications in an emergency.
- he key (B) is correct as a reverse distributor picks up expired and damaged drugs for
disposal as pharmaceutical waste and does not distribute nor transport drugs for use.
According to ASHP guidelines, a quality improvement program for home care should
monitor the patient's:
A. satisfaction and outcome.
B. physical examinations and laboratory values.
C. financial history
D. personal history.
- The key (A) is correct because patient satisfaction and outcomes would include
Distractor (B), physical examination and laboratory values, and determine the success
of home care. Distractors (C) and (D) do not relate to improved quality of home care at
the present time.
Tylenol with codeine liquid is prescribed as "Give 2 teaspoonsful four times daily
dispense 120 mL." The patient is a 2-year-old male. What is a possible reason to alert
the pharmacist?
A. Age B. Gender C. Quantity of medication
D.Amount of Tylenol
- The key (A) AGE is correct because the daily dose of acetaminophen and codeine are
above the recommended guidelines. Distractors (B) and (C) have no impact to the
patient, and Distractor (D) would be included by choosing
Which of the following is a valid DEA number for Dr. Thomas Jones?
A. AT1234560
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), abbreviations used
during prescription writing:
A. are no longer acceptable. B. improve entry time. C. are prone to errors. D. facilitate
the prescriber.
- The key (C) is correct because the Institute for Safe Medication Practices has a list of
error-prone abbreviations that should never be used when communicating medical
information because they are frequently misinterpreted and involved in harmful
medication errors. Distractor (A) is incorrect as ISMP does not state that all
abbreviations are error prone. Distractors (B) and (D) are not correct as ISMP's mission
relates to medication safety not reduction in prescription processing times.
The best reference for obtaining storage requirements for a particular drug is the: A.
Physicians' Desk Reference. B. Merck Index. C. Drug Facts and Comparisons.
- D. USP-NF
The key (D) is correct because the USP-NF contains drug monographs that include
storage requirements. Distractor (A) provides drug dosage, side effects, and
interactions. Distractor (B) is incorrect because the Merck Manual is a medical
textbook. Distractor (C) provides clinical drug information.
A pharmacy technician must administer 1000 mL of TPN solution at 75 mL/hr. If the
set delivers 20 gtt/mL, the flow rate, in gtt/min, will be:
A. 20 B. 25 C.30 D. 35
- The key (B) is correct because if you multiply 75 mL/hr x 20 gtts/mL x 1 hour/60
min you get 25 gtt/min.
Which of the following brand/generic pairs is correct?
A. Decadron/prednisone B. Aleve/ketoprofen C. Premarin/estradiol D.
Ativan/lorazepam
- The key (D) is correct because the generic name for Ativan is lorazepam. Distractor
(A) is incorrect because the generic name for Decadron is dexamethasone. Distractor
(B) is incorrect because the generic name for Aleve is naproxen sodium. Distractor (C)
is incorrect because the generic name for Premarin is conjugated estrogen.
The form used to report theft or significant loss of controlled substances is:
A. DEA 106 B. DEA 222 C. FDA 356 D.FDA 766
,- The key (A) is correct as it is the DEA form used to report theft or loss. The
distractors are incorrect because Distractor (B) is a DEA official order form for
narcotics. Distractor (C) is an FDA application form for new drug. Distractor (D) is an
FDA application form for relabeling.
Before using a laminar flow hood, the interior surfaces should be cleaned with:
A. methyl alcohol.
B. chlorhexidine gluconate.
C. 70% isopropyl alcohol.
D. 70% ethyl alcohol.
- The key (C) is correct because 70% isopropyl alcohol does not have a negative effect
on the acrylic surfaces of the laminar flow hood. Distractors (A), (B), and (D) would
compromise the acrylic surfaces.
The auxiliary label for amoxicillin oral suspension should contain which of the
following instructions?
A. Take with food
B. May cause urine discoloration
C. Shake well
D. May cause drowsiness
- The key (C) is correct because medication that is a suspension must be shaken to
distribute the particles throughout the liquid for an accurate dose of medication.
Distractors (A), (B), and (D) do not apply to an amoxicillin suspension.
An essential component of pharmacy quality assurance programs is to:
A. maintain standards set by the DEA.
B. focus on the individual employee's work performance.
C. get the right drug to the right patient at the right time.
D. provide adequate emergency stock levels
- The key (C) is correct because pharmacy quality assurance programs are put in place
to guarantee the "rights" of pharmacy practice. Although Distractors (A) and (D) may
be included in the program, they are not essential components. Distractor (B) is
incorrect because quality assurance programs are intended to apply to performance of
the department rather than individuals.
Which of the following, when combined with acetaminophen 325 mg, would be a
generic substitute for Tylenol No. 4?
, A. Codeine 15 mg
B. Codeine 60 mg
C. Oxycodone 7.5 mg
D. Oxycodone 10 mg
- The key (B) is correct. Distractor (A) does not come in a combination product.
Distractors (C) and (D) are generic Percocet in two different strengths.
A reverse distributor for pharmaceuticals:
A. distributes pharmaceuticals to hospitals
B. removes and disposes of pharmaceutical waste.
C. transports medications from the manufacturer to the wholesaler.
D. transports medications in an emergency.
- he key (B) is correct as a reverse distributor picks up expired and damaged drugs for
disposal as pharmaceutical waste and does not distribute nor transport drugs for use.
According to ASHP guidelines, a quality improvement program for home care should
monitor the patient's:
A. satisfaction and outcome.
B. physical examinations and laboratory values.
C. financial history
D. personal history.
- The key (A) is correct because patient satisfaction and outcomes would include
Distractor (B), physical examination and laboratory values, and determine the success
of home care. Distractors (C) and (D) do not relate to improved quality of home care at
the present time.
Tylenol with codeine liquid is prescribed as "Give 2 teaspoonsful four times daily
dispense 120 mL." The patient is a 2-year-old male. What is a possible reason to alert
the pharmacist?
A. Age B. Gender C. Quantity of medication
D.Amount of Tylenol
- The key (A) AGE is correct because the daily dose of acetaminophen and codeine are
above the recommended guidelines. Distractors (B) and (C) have no impact to the
patient, and Distractor (D) would be included by choosing
Which of the following is a valid DEA number for Dr. Thomas Jones?
A. AT1234560
