NCE PRACTICE EXAM

The MedWatch Form can be obtained from the FDA to report serious adverse events, quality problems or product use errors associated with FDA regulated products.  The form is used to voluntarily report medication problems to the FDA.

CIII drugs can have up to 5 refills and are refillable up to 6 months.  Some examples of CIII drugs include Vicodin and Xanax.

The correct answer is 120 capsules because the prescription is for a 60 day supply and directions are one capsule twice daily (bid).  In other words, 1 x 2 x 60 = 120.

PRN is a medical term that means “as needed.”  PRN orders are requests for mediation that is not used on a routine basis.  Instead PRN medications are used only when the patient needs it, such when Phenergan is used for nausea and vomiting.

The primary reference for therapeutic equivalence is the FDA's Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, commonly known as the Orange Book.  It is the official source that provides standards, which dictate drug equivalence.

Unexpected responses to medications are called idiosyncrasies or idiosyncratic effects.

Pharmacy technicians should always wash their hands for at least 30 seconds, allowing the friction and antimicrobial agent to thoroughly clean the hands and arms.

The larger part of a solution is called the “solvent.”  A solvent is a substance, usually a liquid, that dissolves another substance to make a solution.

The correct answer is 3 mL because for every 1 mL of Gentamycin medication there are 40 mg.  40 mg x 3 equals 120 mg, which is the same as desired dose of 120 mg.

There are 16 ounces in a pound.  This is a common conversion that is used when weighing material on a scale.

Excessive electrical activity within the brain can cause seizures.  Grand mal seizures involve convulsions and can include unconsciousness.  Petit mal seizures do not involve convulsions but may include periods of stupor.

A neonate is a newborn baby who is 1 month old or less.  After a baby reaches the age of 1 month, it is then considered an “infant.”

The United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary provides standards for storage.  Details such as light, ventilation, sanitation, and temperature are also provided.

Augmentin suspension should be refrigerated and it lasts for ten days.

The seven rights of medication include the right patient, dose, time, route, technique, drug and documentation.  Gender is not one of the seven rights.

The onset of action is the time after a drug administration in which the body initially responds to the medication. Some drugs may have a rapid onset of action but a short half-life, while others may have a slower onset, but their effects last longer.

Even though the pharmacy technician may know the answer to a patient's question, the pharmacy technician should refer the patient to a pharmacist because pharmacy technicians are not allowed to counsel patients on drug interactions.

Isopropyl Alcohol should be used to clean countertops, as well as the laminar flood hood, and gloves in between I.V. admixtures.

HEPA filters should be used with laminar flow hoods

The ability to accurately balance product is extremely important in compounding.  The Class B balance measures 650 mg to 120 g.  The Class A balance is only required to be sensitive enough to measure 120 mg to 15 g.

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

In order to bill a patient's insurance you must have the BIN and PCN to ensure proper routing of the claim as well as the member ID number to identify patient specific benefits. Even if the patient does not have their card, benefit information can still be obtained if they are able to provide these three key pieces of information.