PTCB PTCE Exam Questions Instant Access - No Installation Required

Question 1

Which of the following needle guages corresponding to the smallest human?

A13

B18

C20

D27

Answer : D

Needlegauge (G)refers to thediameter of the needle's lumen(opening).The higher the gauge number, the smaller the needle diameter.

Lower gauge (e.g., 13G, 18G)Larger needle(wider opening)

Higher gauge (e.g., 27G)Smaller needle(narrower opening)

Common Needle Gauges and Their Uses:Gauge (G)

Needle Diameter (mm)

Common Use

13G

2.4 mm

IV drug administration (large-bore)

18G

1.2 mm

Drawing thick medications (e.g., oil-based injections)

20G

0.9 mm

General intramuscular (IM) injections

27G

0.4 mm

Subcutaneous (SC) or intradermal (ID) injections (e.g., insulin, vaccines)

Since27Gis the highest gauge listed, it corresponds to thesmallestneedle diameter, making it the correct answer.

A . 13G One of the largest gauges, used for IV fluids or blood transfusions.

B . 18G Large needle used for thick medications likedepot injections or contrast agents.

C . 20G Common forintramuscular injectionsbut larger than 27G.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline-- Covers needle gauges, injection routes, and proper medication administration.

USP <797> & USP <800>-- Provide sterile compounding guidelines, including appropriate needle gauge selection.

CDC Vaccine Administration Guidelines-- Recommend25-30Gfor subcutaneous and intradermal injections.

Why Not the Other Options?Key Reference:

Question 2

According toUSP Chapter 800, a reusable counting tray used to count outcyclophosphamidecapsules must be:

AActivated before each use.

BDisposed of after each use.

CDecontaminated after each use.

DSterilized before each use.

Answer : C

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Cyclophosphamideis ahazardous drugclassified byNIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).USP Chapter 800mandates thatall surfaces exposed to hazardous drugs (HDs), including counting trays, must be decontaminated after each useto prevent cross-contamination.

Explanation of Answer Choices:C. Decontaminated after each useCorrect.Hazardous drug residues must be removed after each use to prevent contamination.A. Activated before each use Incorrect. There is no'activation'process for hazardous drug counting trays.B. Disposed of after each use Incorrect.Counting trays are reusable but must be properly cleaned.D. Sterilized before each use Incorrect.Sterilization applies to sterile compounding, not hazardous drug handling.

Reference:

USP <800>: Handling Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings

NIOSH List of Hazardous Drugs (Cyclophosphamide)

Question 3

Thegeneric name for Concertais:

AMethylphenidate

BDexmethylphenidate

CDextroamphetamine

DLisdexamfetamine

Answer : A

Concerta = Methylphenidate (extended-release) used for ADHD.

Other ADHD drugs:

Dexmethylphenidate = Focalin

Dextroamphetamine = Adderall

Lisdexamfetamine = Vyvanse

Reference:FDA ADHD Drug Classifications, PTCB Medication Guide.

Question 4

Which of the following is anantidepressant?

AClozapine

BLorazepam

CHaloperidol

DCitalopram

Answer : D

Citalopram (Celexa) is an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) used for depression and anxiety.

Other drugs listed are for schizophrenia (clozapine, haloperidol) or anxiety (lorazepam).

Reference:FDA Approved Antidepressants, PTCE Medication Classification Guide.

Question 5

Medications considered to have anarrow therapeutic index (NTI)generally exhibita(n):

AShorter window of guaranteed stability.

BIncompatibility with therapeutic monitoring.

CSynergistic effect on other medications.

DHigher risk of causing serious toxicity.

Answer : D

NTI drugs have small differences between effective and toxic doses.

Examples:Warfarin, Digoxin, Lithium, Theophylline.

Requires close monitoring (lab tests, dose adjustments).

Reference:FDA NTI Drug List, PTCB Medication Safety Guidelines.

Question 6

Conducting a root-cause analysis (RCA) helps pharmacy staff to:

Adetermine which medication should be dispensed.

Bdecipher prescriber handwriting during order entry.

Cincrease pharmacy revenue and inventory turnover.

Didentify the factors that contributed to a problem or event.

Answer : D

Root-Cause Analysis (RCA)is asystematic processused inhealthcare and pharmacy settingstoidentify the underlying factors that contributed to an error or safety event. RCA helps pharmacy staff determinewhy a problem occurredand implement corrective actions toprevent future occurrences.

Identify the problem or event.

Gather and analyze data.

Determine the root cause(s).

Develop and implement corrective actions.

Monitor for improvement and prevention of recurrence.

A . Determine which medication should be dispensed Incorrect; RCA is focused onerror investigation, not routine dispensing decisions.

B . Decipher prescriber handwriting during order entry Incorrect; this is not the purpose of RCA, though poor handwriting may be identified as a contributing factor in an error.

C . Increase pharmacy revenue and inventory turnover Incorrect; RCA is aboutpatient safety and error prevention, not financial performance.

Steps in Root-Cause Analysis (RCA):Other Answer Choices Explained:Reference:

ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices) RCA Guidelines

FDA Medication Error Prevention Strategies

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

Question 7

How much of a drug prescribed at5 mg/kgshould be administered to a patient weighing132 lbs?

A33 mg

B300 mg

C660 mg

D3 g

Answer : C

Step 1: Convert pounds to kilograms

1 kg = 2.2 lbs

132 lbs 2.2 = 60 kg

Step 2: Calculate total dose

5 mg/kg 60 kg = 300 mg

Thus, the correct answer isC. 660 mg.

Reference:PTCE Calculation Guide, Pediatric Dosage Calculations.

PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) PTCE Exam Questions