Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Question 1

What volume, in tsp, of a 20 mEq/15 mL solution would deliver a dose of 40 mEq?

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) B

Rationale

6 tsp of a 20 mEq/15 mL solution would deliver a dose of 40 mEq.

To determine the volume required to deliver a dose of 40 mEq from a solution of 20 mEq per 15 mL, we can set up a proportion. Since 20 mEq corresponds to 15 mL, we can calculate the necessary volume for 40 mEq using a simple ratio.

A) 2
This option represents a volume that is too small to deliver the required 40 mEq. Using the ratio of 20 mEq per 15 mL, 2 tsp would deliver far less than 40 mEq, indicating a misunderstanding of the proportional relationship between the concentration and the desired dose.

B) 6
This answer is correct because calculating the volume needed for 40 mEq involves setting up a proportion: (20 mEq / 15 mL) = (40 mEq / x mL). Solving for x yields 30 mL, which converts to 6 tsp (since 1 tsp is approximately 5 mL). This effectively delivers the required dose.

C) 30
While 30 mL is the correct volume to deliver 40 mEq, the question specifically asks for the volume in teaspoons, and 30 mL converts to 6 tsp, not 30. Therefore, this choice represents the correct volume in mL but fails to adhere to the requested unit of measurement.

D) 40
This option suggests an incorrectly high volume, which would deliver more than the required 40 mEq. Based on the concentration of 20 mEq per 15 mL, a larger volume than necessary would not accurately deliver the specified dose, indicating a miscalculation.

Conclusion
To calculate the volume needed to provide a specific dose from a concentrated solution, one must consider the concentration and set up a proportion. In this case, using a 20 mEq/15 mL solution, 6 tsp (equivalent to 30 mL) accurately delivers the required dose of 40 mEq. Understanding unit conversions and maintaining proportionality are crucial in medication dosing calculations.

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Question 2

According to USP Chapter 800, gowns worn during the preparation of hazardous nonsterile compounds must:

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) B

Rationale

Gowns worn during the preparation of hazardous nonsterile compounds must be selected based on the specific hazardous drugs being handled.

Selecting gowns based on the specific hazardous drugs ensures that the protective equipment is suitable for the type of exposure anticipated, enhancing safety for personnel. This aligns with USP Chapter 800 guidelines that emphasize the importance of appropriate PPE based on the nature of the substances being handled.

A) have seams or closures that could allow hazardous drugs to reach the skin
This option is incorrect as gowns should not have seams or closures that compromise their protective barrier. The purpose of gowns is to prevent any hazardous drugs from contacting the skin, thus they must be designed to minimize any potential exposure.

C) be made of reusable material to absorb hazardous drug residue
While reusable materials can be beneficial for some protective gear, gowns used for handling hazardous drugs should ideally be disposable or made of materials that do not absorb contaminants. This prevents the risk of residual contamination that can occur with reusable fabrics, which could lead to exposure.

D) have short sleeves and open cuffs to minimize hazardous drug exposure
This choice is incorrect because short sleeves and open cuffs do not provide adequate protection against hazardous drugs. Gowns should have long sleeves and closed cuffs to ensure that there are no openings through which hazardous substances can escape and reach the skin.

Conclusion
According to USP Chapter 800, the selection of gowns should be tailored to the specific hazardous drugs being handled to ensure maximum protection for personnel. Incorrect options either compromise safety or do not meet the necessary standards for handling hazardous materials. Proper gown selection is critical in maintaining a safe environment during the preparation of hazardous nonsterile compounds.

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Question 3

A pharmacy technician receives an order for azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL PO daily. What dosage form should be dispensed?

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) C

Rationale

Suspension is the appropriate dosage form to dispense for azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL PO daily.

Azithromycin is often provided in liquid form for oral administration, especially in pediatric patients or those who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. A suspension allows for accurate dosing in milliliters, which matches the prescribed order.

A) Tablet
Tablets are solid dosage forms intended for oral consumption but are not suitable for this prescription since the specified dose is 200 mg/5 mL, which indicates a liquid formulation. Tablets typically do not allow for precise dosing in the same way a suspension can when the prescribed amount is not a standard tablet strength.

B) Capsule
Capsules contain powdered or liquid medication encased in a gelatin shell, but like tablets, they are not appropriate for this prescription since the order specifies a liquid dosage of 200 mg/5 mL. Capsules can also present challenges for patients who have difficulty swallowing, further supporting the need for a liquid form.

C) Suspension
A suspension is a liquid dosage form where the active ingredient is dispersed in a liquid medium. This formulation is ideal for azithromycin in this case because it allows for the specified dosing of 200 mg/5 mL, ensuring accurate administration and ease of use, particularly for patients who require a liquid medication.

D) Suppository
Suppositories are solid forms designed for rectal administration, which would not be suitable for this prescription as it specifically states a route of administration (PO) indicating oral use. This choice is irrelevant to the order and does not match the required dosage form for azithromycin.

Conclusion
For the prescribed dosage of azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL PO daily, the appropriate and accurate dosage form to dispense is a suspension. This formulation not only aligns with the dosing requirements but also caters to patient needs for liquid administration. Tablets, capsules, and suppositories do not meet the criteria set by the order and are therefore unsuitable for this case.

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Question 4

Following reconstitution, Varivax should be administered within a maximum of:

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) A

Rationale

Varivax should be administered within a maximum of 30 minutes following reconstitution.

Following reconstitution, the Varivax vaccine must be used promptly to ensure its efficacy and safety. Delayed administration beyond the specified time can compromise the vaccine's effectiveness and may lead to reduced immune response.

A) 30 minutes
This option correctly states the maximum time frame within which Varivax should be administered after reconstitution. The vaccine's live attenuated virus components are sensitive to environmental conditions, and administering it within 30 minutes helps maintain its effectiveness.

B) 48 hours
This option is incorrect because Varivax must be administered much sooner than 48 hours after reconstitution. Allowing such a lengthy period can lead to the degradation of the vaccine, significantly decreasing its effectiveness and potentially risking patient health.

C) 7 days
Administering Varivax within 7 days of reconstitution is incorrect, as it exceeds the recommended time limit. The vaccine is designed to be used quickly after preparation to ensure that it retains its potency and efficacy, and waiting this long would not meet safety standards.

D) 2 weeks
This option is also incorrect, as a 2-week delay far surpasses the acceptable time frame for administering Varivax after reconstitution. Such a delay would likely render the vaccine ineffective, failing to provide the intended immunological protection.

Conclusion
The prompt administration of Varivax within 30 minutes post-reconstitution is essential for ensuring its effectiveness as a vaccine. Any extension beyond this timeframe jeopardizes the vaccine's potency and the health of the individuals receiving it. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is crucial for successful immunization practices.

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Question 5

A prescription calls for one capsule of a medication to be administered PO a.c. daily for 14 days. What directions should appear on the label?

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) C

Rationale

Take one capsule by mouth before a meal once daily for 14 days.

The prescription specifies "PO a.c." which means the medication should be taken by mouth (PO) before meals (a.c., or ante cibum). Therefore, the correct labeling must reflect this instruction clearly along with the dosage and duration.

A) Take one capsule by mouth daily for 14 days
This option does not specify the timing of the dose concerning meals, which is crucial in this prescription. The instruction "a.c." indicates that the medication must be taken before meals, making this choice incomplete and potentially misleading.

B) Take one capsule by mouth after a meal once daily for 14 days
This choice directly contradicts the prescription's instruction. "A.c." indicates that the medication is to be taken before meals, while this option suggests taking it after meals, which could affect the medication's efficacy and absorption.

C) Take one capsule by mouth before a meal once daily for 14 days
This option accurately reflects the prescription's requirements. It specifies that the medication should be taken by mouth before meals, which aligns perfectly with the instruction "a.c." and includes the correct dosage and duration.

D) Take one capsule by mouth with a meal once daily for 14 days
Similar to option B, this choice misinterprets the timing of the medication. Taking the medication "with a meal" contradicts the "a.c." directive, which is intended to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness of the medication.

Conclusion
In summary, the correct instruction for the prescription is to take one capsule by mouth before a meal once daily for 14 days. The other options fail to incorporate the essential timing of administration, which is critical for ensuring the medication's effectiveness and proper adherence to the prescribed regimen.

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6 tsp of a 20 mEq/15 mL solution would deliver a dose of 40 mEq.

Gowns worn during the preparation of hazardous nonsterile compounds must be selected based on the specific hazardous drugs being handled.

Suspension is the appropriate dosage form to dispense for azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL PO daily.

Varivax should be administered within a maximum of 30 minutes following reconstitution.

Take one capsule by mouth before a meal once daily for 14 days.

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