According to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards, a drug with an expiration date of 3/2025 should only be used by the patient through:
Answer : C
PerUSP standards, a drug with an expiration date ofMarch 2025is consideredvalid until the last day of the month, which isMarch 31, 2025. This applies unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
If a drug is labeledMM/YYYY, itremains valid until the last day of that month.
If a drug is labeled with aspecific day (MM/DD/YYYY), itexpires at the end of that day.
A . February 28, 2025 Incorrect; the expiration is at the end ofMarch, not February.
B . March 1, 2025 Incorrect; the drug is stillusable until March 31.
D . March 1, 2026 Incorrect; the drugexpires in March 2025, not 2026.
Expiration Date Rules:Other Answer Choices Explained:Reference:
USP <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding -- Expiration and Beyond-Use Dating (BUD) Guidelines
FDA Drug Expiration Date Regulations
PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmaceutical Storage & Stability)
Pharmacies may dispense a supply ofisotretinointhat will last no more than how many days?
Answer : B
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is regulated under the iPLEDGE program.
Only a 30-day supply is allowed, and pregnancy tests are required each month for females.
Reference:FDA iPLEDGE Program, PTCB High-Risk Medication Guidelines.
Vistarilis a brand name for:
Answer : D
Vistaril = Hydroxyzine, anantihistamine used for anxiety, nausea, and allergies.
Meclizine (Antivert) is also an antihistaminebut is used primarily formotion sickness and vertigo.
Reference:FDA Approved Drug List, PTCE Medication Guide.
Which of the following is anantipsychotic?
Answer : A
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:
Aripiprazole (Abilify)is anatypical antipsychoticused to treatschizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Explanation of Answer Choices:A. AripiprazoleCorrect.Anantipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.B. Rifampin Incorrect.An antibiotic for tuberculosis.C. Ketoconazole Incorrect.An antifungal.D. Zolpidem Incorrect.A sedative for insomnia (Ambien).
Reference:
FDA Drug Database: Aripiprazole
PTCB Pharmacology for Technicians
Due to an increased risk of hepatotoxicity, patients on acetaminophen should use caution when consuming:
Answer : D
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)is metabolized by theliver.Excessive doses or concurrentalcohol useincreases the risk ofliver damage (hepatotoxicity).
Explanation of Answer Choices:D. Alcoholic beveragesCorrect. Alcohol and acetaminophen together can causesevere liver damage.A. Citrus fruits Incorrect. Citrus does not interfere withacetaminophen metabolism.B. Leafy greens Incorrect. Leafy greens affectwarfarin, notacetaminophen.C. Dairy products Incorrect. Dairy does not interact withacetaminophen.
Reference:
FDA Acetaminophen Warnings
PTCB Medication Safety Guidelines
A patient who received90 tabletsone month ago contacts the pharmacy to request a refill. The insurance rejects the claim, saying that the refill is56 days too soon.The claim rejection is likely the result of submitting an incorrect:
Answer : A
Insurance requires accurate ''days supply'' calculations.If a30-daysupply is incorrectly entered as a90-daysupply, the system will reject early refills.
Reference:PTCE Pharmacy Billing and Reimbursement Guidelines.
Conducting a root-cause analysis (RCA) helps pharmacy staff to:
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)