PTCE Exam Dumps - PTCB CPhT Questions and Answers

Escitalopram (Lexapro)is aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)used formajor depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). If escitalopram isnon-formulary, a suitable alternative would besertraline (Zoloft), anotherSSRIwith a similar mechanism of action and indication.

A. Cabergoline→ Incorrect; cabergoline is adopamine agonistused to treathyperprolactinemia, not depression or anxiety.

B. Ciprofloxacin→ Incorrect; ciprofloxacin is afluoroquinolone antibiotic, unrelated to antidepressant therapy.

D. Amantadine→ Incorrect; amantadine is anantiviral and antiparkinsonianagent, not used for depression.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmacology for Technicians – Nervous System Drugs)

Lexicomp Drug Monographs for SSRIs (Escitalopram & Sertraline)

Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Root-Cause Analysis (RCA)is asystematic approachused toidentify the underlying causes of medication errors. RCA focuses onsystems and processes, not individual blame.

????Explanation of Answer Choices:✅B. Focusing primarily on systems and processes rather than individual performance→Correct.RCA aims toprevent future errors by improving systems.❌A. Termination of employment→ Incorrect.Blaming individuals does not address system failures.❌C. Immediate reporting to the state board→ Incorrect.RCA is an internal investigation process.❌D. Criminal charges→ Incorrect.RCA focuses on improvement, not legal punishment.

????Reference:

ISMP Guidelines on Root-Cause Analysis

PTCB Medication Safety Principles

To calculate:

20 mEq per 15 mL

We need 40 mEq, so:

(40 mEq)÷(20 mEq)=2×15 mL=30 mL(40 \, \text{mEq}) \div (20 \, \text{mEq}) = 2 \times 15\, \text{mL} = 30\, \text{mL}(40mEq)÷(20mEq)=2×15mL=30mL

Now, convert to teaspoons:

1 tsp = 5 mL

30 mL ÷ 5 = 6 tsp

This type of dosage conversion is covered in Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review, under Pharmaceutical Calculations.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

The FDA requires patient package inserts (PPIs) for certain medications, including oral contraceptives like norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol.

????Explanation of Answer Choices:

✅B. Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol → Correct. Oral contraceptives must include a PPI with risk information.

❌A. Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim → Incorrect. Does not require a package insert.

❌C. Triamterene/HCTZ → Incorrect. A diuretic, no required PPI.

❌D. Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil → Incorrect. A PPI is required only for certain formulations.

????Reference:

FDA Patient Information Leaflet Requirements

The Master Formulation Record (MFR) is a standardized document that provides step-by-step instructions on how to compound a specificnonsterile preparation.

It includes:

Active and inactive ingredients

Mixing instructions

Equipment needed

Beyond-use dating (BUD)

Storage requirements

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Medication Guide?❌Intended for patient information, not compounding.

C. Patient Package Insert?❌Explains medication use but doesn’t contain compounding instructions.

D. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?❌Contains safety and hazard information, not formulation instructions.

????Reference:USP <795> Nonsterile Compounding Standards, PTCB Compounding Study Guide.

Arashis acommon allergic reactionto medications.Drug allergiesoccur when the immune system overreacts to a medication, leading to symptoms such as:

Skin rash (most common)

Hives (urticaria)

Swelling (angioedema)

Anaphylaxis (severe reaction)

A. Dizziness❌→Side effect, not an allergic reaction.

Some medications (e.g., antihypertensives) cause dizziness, but it isnot an immune system response.

B. Constipation❌→Side effect, not an allergic reaction.

Opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone) commonly cause constipation, but it isnot due to an allergy.

C. Nausea❌→Side effect, not an allergic reaction.

Many medications (e.g., antibiotics, chemotherapy) cause nausea, but this isnot an immune-mediated reaction.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)– Defines allergic reactions to medications.

FDA Drug Allergy Guidelines– Lists common symptoms of drug allergies.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers adverse drug reactions and medication safety.

Why Not the Other Options?Key References:

According toUSP <800>andOSHA guidelines, exposure control forhazardous drugs (HDs)must begin as soon as the drugenters the facilityto ensure proper handling, storage, and administration safety. This includes:

Receiving:

Hazardous drugs must beunpacked in a designated areathat isseparate from regular medications.

They shouldnot be opened in sterile or positive-pressure areasto prevent contamination.

Storage:

HDs must be stored in anegative-pressure room with proper ventilation.

They must be placed indesignated binsto reduce exposure risks.

Handling and Compounding:

Usepersonal protective equipment (PPE)such as gloves, gowns, and masks when handling hazardous drugs.

Use abiological safety cabinet (BSC) or compounding aseptic containment isolator (CACI)when preparing hazardous drugs.

A. Is dispensed→ Incorrect;control measures must start earlier, before dispensing.

C. Is compounded→ Incorrect; safety measures beginbefore compounding, when the drug arrives at the pharmacy.

D. Is placed on the pharmacy shelf→ Incorrect;exposure control measuresbegin before storage, duringreceiving and handling.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

USP <800> Hazardous Drug Handling Guidelines

OSHA Hazardous Drug Safety Standards

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Hazardous Drug List

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Medication Safety & Hazardous Drug Handling)

Cytotoxic agents are drugs that kill or damage cells, particularly rapidly dividing cells. They are primarily used in the treatment of cancer (chemotherapy) because cancer cells multiply quickly. These medications interfere with cell division (mitosis), leading to cell death.

According to Mosby’s Pharmacy Technician: Principles and Practice:

“Cytotoxic drugs are most commonly used in oncology. Their use requires special handling and storage protocols to protect healthcare workers and patients.”

Additional Notes:

Diabetes treatments involve insulin or oral antidiabetics, not cytotoxics.

Rosacea and allergies are treated with antimicrobials and antihistamines/steroids, respectively.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)is athyroid hormone replacementused to treathypothyroidism. It must be takenon an empty stomachbecause food, calcium, and ironinterfere with its absorption.

Administration Guidelines for Levothyroxine:

Take30-60 minutes before breakfastwith afull glass of water.

Avoidcalcium, iron, and antacidsfor4 hoursafter taking it.

????Explanation of Answer Choices:✅A. Levothyroxine→Correct.Absorption is reduced by food, calcium, and iron.❌B. Amlodipine→ Incorrect.A calcium channel blocker that can be taken with or without food.❌C. Cyclobenzaprine→ Incorrect.A muscle relaxant with no food restrictions.❌D. Loratadine→ Incorrect.An antihistamine that does not require fasting.

????Reference:

American Thyroid Association (ATA) Levothyroxine Guidelines

FDA Drug Labeling for Synthroid

According toCDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines, pharmacy technicians should wash their hands withsoap and waterinstead of alcohol-based hand sanitizer when:

Hands are visibly dirty→ Alcohol-based sanitizers are ineffective against certain contaminants like dirt, grease, and some bacteria.

Before eating→ Prevents ingestion of harmful pathogens.

After using the restroom→ Soap and water are required to remove potential fecal contamination.

A. They have time, before eating, and after eating❌→Incorrect

Handwashing ismandatorywhen hands are dirty or after using the restroom, not just when there's time.

B. Their hands are visibly clean, after eating, and before each patient❌→Incorrect

Washing isnot required if hands appear clean—sanitizer is acceptable in most situations except when visibly soiled.

C. They have finished filling prescriptions, before eating, and after each patient❌→Incorrect

Hand hygiene is important, but hand sanitizer is typically used between patients unless hands are visibly dirty.

CDC Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings– Recommendssoap and waterfor visibly soiled hands and after restroom use.

USP <797> Guidelines for Aseptic Technique– Emphasizes proper handwashing for sterile compounding.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers infection control and hand hygiene protocols.

Why Not the Other Options?Key References: