PTCE Exam Dumps - PTCB CPhT Questions and Answers

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)andVenlafaxine (Effexor)belong to the same class ofserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They both work by inhibiting the reuptake ofserotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE), increasing their levels in the synaptic cleft to enhance neurotransmission, which is effective in treatingmajor depressive disorder (MDD).

A. Valacyclovir→ Incorrect; valacyclovir is anantiviralused to treatherpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections.It inhibits viral DNA replication, not neurotransmitter reuptake.

B. Varenicline→ Incorrect; varenicline (Chantix) is apartial nicotinic receptor agonistused forsmoking cessation, not an SNRI.

D. Verapamil→ Incorrect; verapamil is acalcium channel blocker (CCB)used forhypertension and arrhythmias, which has no relation to antidepressant mechanisms.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

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

Lexicomp Drug Monographs for Desvenlafaxine and Venlafaxine

Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

AClass III recallis issued whena drug is unlikely to cause adverse health effects but has a labeling defect, packaging issue, or a minor violation of manufacturing regulations.

Example:A bottle of tablets with a slightly misprinted label.

Pharmacies must remove affected stock but are NOT required to notify patients or physicians.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Posting signs?❌Only required for certain urgent recalls.

C. Notifying physicians?❌Required forClass I and some Class II recalls, not Class III.

D. Contacting patients?❌Not needed fornon-health-threatening recalls.

????Reference:FDA Drug Recall Guidelines, PTCE Exam Study Guide.

Pantoprazole (Protonix)is aproton pump inhibitor (PPI)that isonly available by prescriptionfor treatingGERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and peptic ulcers.

Omeprazole (Prilosec), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), and Esomeprazole (Nexium)are availableOTC and by prescriptionin different strengths.

Prescription PPIsare typically higher strength than OTC versions.

????Reference:FDA Drug Approvals for OTC and Prescription PPIs.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

TheNational Drug Code (NDC)is a10- or 11-digit numberidentifying a drug'smanufacturer, product, and package size.

????NDC Format:

XXXXX−YYYY−ZZ\text{XXXXX} - \text{YYYY} - \text{ZZ}XXXXX−YYYY−ZZ

First 5 digits= Manufacturer

Middle 4 digits= Drug, strength, and formulation

Last 2 digits=Package size

✅A. Package size→Correct.Since the first two segments(00781-1506)are identical, the difference is in thelast segment, which representspackage size.❌B. Dosage→ Incorrect. Thedosage (mg strength) remains the same.❌C. Manufacturer→ Incorrect. Themanufacturer is the same (first 5 digits are identical).❌D. Strength→ Incorrect. Thestrength is unchanged.

????Reference:

FDA NDC Directory

PTCB Inventory Management Guidelines

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

Arexvyis anRSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccinefor adults60+ years.

Oncereconstituted, itmust be used within 4 hoursto ensurestability and potency.

After4 hours, bacterial growth andloss of vaccine efficacymake it unsafe for administration.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. 30 minutes?❌Too short—vaccines are stable for a longer duration.

C. 24 hours?❌Too long—Arexvy degrades faster.

D. 1 week?❌No vaccine remains effective for 7 days after reconstitution.

????Reference:CDC Vaccine Storage & Handling Guidelines,Arexvy Manufacturer Labeling (GSK).

????Reference:USP <797> Sterile Compounding Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Cephalexin suspension (Keflex)is anantibioticthat must berefrigerated after reconstitutionanddiscarded after 14 daysto maintain stability and potency.

????Explanation of Answer Choices:✅D. Keep refrigerated; Discard after 14 days→Correct.Proper storage is2-8°C (36-46°F), with a 14-day shelf life.❌A. Protect from light; Discard after 7 days→ Incorrect.Refrigeration is required, not just light protection.❌B. Protect from light; Discard after 14 days→ Incorrect.Light protection is not a major concern for cephalexin.❌C. Keep refrigerated; Discard after 7 days→ Incorrect.Cephalexin is stable for 14 days, not just 7.

????Reference:

USP <795>: Beyond-Use Dating for Reconstituted Suspensions

FDA Drug Stability Guidelines

• Needed dose: 400 mg per dose.

• Available concentration: 300 mg/5 mL.

• Use proportion/dimensional analysis:

- mL=400 mg×5 mL300 mg=2000300 mL=6.6‾ mL≈6.7 mL\text{mL} = 400\ \text{mg} \times \frac{5\ \text{mL}}{300\ \text{mg}} = \frac{2000}{300}\ \text{mL} = 6.\overline{6}\ \text{mL} \approx 6.7\ \text{mL}mL=400 mg×300 mg5 mL​=3002000​ mL=6.6 mL≈6.7 mL.

• Thus, 6.7 mL per dose is required.

References (Pharmacy Technician documents / Study Guides):

• PTCB/ExCPT pharmacy calculations—dose-concentration conversions using ratio-proportion or dimensional analysis.

• Nonsterile compounding and dispensing references—accurate liquid dose calculations from mg/mL strengths.

Upon receiving a recall notice, thefirststep a pharmacy technician should take is toverify whether the recalled product is present in the pharmacy’s inventory. This is critical because:

Product Identification– The pharmacy must determine if it has the affected lot numbers, expiration dates, or specific product variations mentioned in the recall notice.

Patient Safety– If the product is in stock, it must be removed from inventory immediately to prevent accidental dispensing.

Regulatory Compliance– TheFDA, manufacturer, or wholesaleroften provides specific instructions for handling recalled medications, and the pharmacy must comply with those guidelines.

FDA Drug Recall Guidelines– Recalls are classified intoClass I, II, and III, and the process requires inventory verification before further actions.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– The PTCB exam emphasizes medication safety and regulatory compliance, which includes proper handling of recalls.

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)– This federal law mandates tracking and traceability of pharmaceutical products, reinforcing the importance of inventory checks during recalls.

Pharmacy Policy & Procedures– Most pharmacies followStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs)where verification of stock is the first step before contacting patients or returning products.

Key References:????Why Not the Other Options?

A. Call any affected patients❌→ This step is necessaryafterthe recall is confirmed and documented. If the pharmacy does not have the recalled product, patient notification is unnecessary.

B. Put the recall notice in the inventory technician’s box for processing❌→ Delaying action by simply passing the notice alongwithout verifying stockcan lead to patient harm.

D. Send the product back❌→ While returning recalled products is part of the process, itshould only occur after verification and proper documentation.