PTCB PTCE Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) Exam Practice Test

Answer : C

To determine the total number of10 mg prednisone tabletsrequired to fill the prescription, let's break it down by daily dosing:

First 2 days 20 mgtwice daily(b.i.d) =40 mg per day

Total for 2 days:40 mg 2 =80 mg

Next 2 days 20 mgonce daily=20 mg per day

Total for 2 days:20 mg 2 =40 mg

Next 2 days 10 mgonce daily=10 mg per day

Total for 2 days:10 mg 2 =20 mg

Final 2 days 5 mgonce daily=5 mg per day

Total for 2 days:5 mg 2 =10 mg

Days 1--4:(20 mg doses) Each 20 mg dose requirestwo 10 mg tablets

Total for these 4 days:(20 mg 4 days) = 80 mg

Tablets required:80 mg 10 mg =8 tablets

Days 5--6:(10 mg doses) Each day requiresone 10 mg tablet

Total for these 2 days:10 mg 2 =20 mg

Tablets required:20 mg 10 mg =2 tablets

Days 7--8:(5 mg doses) Each day requireshalf of a 10 mg tablet

Total for these 2 days:5 mg 2 =10 mg

Tablets required:1 full tablet (split into halves for two doses)

Step 1: Understanding the Prescription DirectionsStep 2: Determining the Number of 10 mg Tablets NeededFinal Calculation:8 tablets (Days 1-4) + 2 tablets (Days 5-6) + 1 tablet (Days 7-8) = 15 tablets

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline-- Covers dosage calculations, unit conversions, and prescription interpretation.

Basic Pharmacy Math Principles-- Ensuring proper medication dispensing based on prescription instructions.

Pharmacy Practice Guidelines-- Proper dispensing techniques for titration therapy, such as steroid tapering.

Key Reference:

Answer : D

TheNational Drug Code (NDC)is a10- or 11-digit numberthat uniquely identifies drugs in the U.S.

NDC format:

First set of numbers (Labeler Code):Identifies the manufacturer.

Middle set of numbers (Product Code):Identifies the specificdrug, strength, and dosage form(important for accurate product selection).

Last set of numbers (Package Code):Identifies the package size and type.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A . Identification of therapeutic class?NDC codes do not indicate a drug's therapeutic class.

B . Locating expired medication?Expiration dates are printed separately on the packaging.

C . Proper storage of the medication?Storage requirements are determined by themanufacturer's label, not the NDC.

Reference:FDA NDC Directory Guidelines, PTCE Exam Study Guide.

Answer : B

Cleaning counting trays removes medication residue to prevent cross-contamination, especially with penicillin or sulfa drugs.

Reference:ISMP Pharmacy Cleaning and Contamination Prevention Guidelines.

Answer : C

Incompatibility in a nonsterile compound can be identified through various physical, chemical, and therapeutic changes.An unexpected change in odoris a key indicator of chemical instability, contamination, or degradation of a compounded preparation. Some ingredients may break down into volatile compounds, leading to noticeable odor changes.

A . A clear solution Incorrect; clarity alone does not indicate incompatibility.Some solutions may be clear but still chemically unstable.

B . The use of a pH buffer system Incorrect; buffer systems are used to maintain pH stability and prevent incompatibility rather than indicate it.

D . Suspension particles settling to the bottom of a container Incorrect; suspensions naturally settle and require shaking before use.This is not necessarily a sign of incompatibility.

Other Answer Choices Explained:Reference:

USP <795> Pharmaceutical Compounding---Nonsterile Preparations

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Medication Safety & Quality Assurance)

Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy

Answer : B

Prochlorperazine (Compazine suppository)requiresrefrigeration(store at2C to 8C / 36F to 46F) to maintain stability.

Other suppositories are stored atroom temperatureunless specified.

Reference:Manufacturer Storage Guidelines, USP Storage Standards.

Answer : B

Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections, including otitis media (middle ear infection) in children. It is available in both capsule and suspension forms. However, cefdinir suspension is supplied in different concentrations, typically125 mg/5 mLand250 mg/5 mL.

The prescription provided specifies'Cefdinir suspension 5 mL PO q12h x 10 days', but it does not mention the concentration (strength) of the suspension. Without this crucial information, the pharmacy cannot accurately determine the total dosage the patient will receive. Different strengths would result in significantly different amounts of cefdinir per dose.

For example:

If the prescriber intended125 mg/5 mL, then the patient would receive125 mg per dose (250 mg daily).

If the prescriber intended250 mg/5 mL, then the patient would receive250 mg per dose (500 mg daily).

This discrepancy could lead tounderdosing or overdosing, making it essential for the pharmacy to contact the prescriber to confirm the correct concentration before dispensing.

A . Cefdinir is not available as a suspension. Incorrect. Cefdinir is available inoral suspensionform, typically in 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL concentrations.

C . Cefdinir suspension is not indicated for otitis media. Incorrect. Cefdinir is FDA-approved for the treatment of otitis media in pediatric patients.

D . Cefdinir suspension was prescribed for a child old enough to swallow capsules. Incorrect. While some 8-year-old children may be able to swallow capsules, many pediatric patients prefer liquid formulations, and prescribers often choose suspensions for better compliance.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline -- Medication Order Entry and Fill Process(Ensuring accuracy of prescriptions, including strength and formulation).

FDA Drug Label for Cefdinir-- Indicates available strengths and dosing requirements.

Lexicomp Drug Information for Cefdinir-- Lists the recommended pediatric dosages and available suspension concentrations.

Pharmacology Textbooks (e.g., 'Mosby's Pharmacy Technician: Principles and Practice')-- Reinforce the importance of verifying missing prescription details before dispensing.

Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:Pharmacy Technician Reference:

Answer : D

DEA requires a full inventory of all controlled substances every 2 years (biennial inventory).

Schedule II drugs requirea separate recordfrom Schedules III--V.

Reference:DEA Controlled Substance Inventory Regulations (21 CFR 1304.11).