Prepare for the ExCPT (Pharmacy Technician Certification) exam with this study guide and practice questions. This covers pharmacy calculations, medications, and pharmacy operations.
Q: Pharmacy Technician Duties
Answer: 1. Answer phone and handle questions that do not require a pharmacist’s expertise or judgement2. receive written prescriptions or telephoned refill requests3. Gather information needed to prepare prescriptions4. Record information needed before prescriptions can be dispensed5. Enter data into the pharmacy’s computer system6. notify the pharmacist of patient or prescriber questions, as well as medication warnings or interactions7. Help the pharmacist prepare prescriptions by counting, pouring, labeling, or pricing medications8. Keep pharmacy supplies stocked9. place completed prescriptions in the pick up area10. order and stock medications11. prepare insurance claims and verify payments12. help patients find otc meds and stock otc department13. complete purchase transactions and log them when necessary14. perform housekeeping duties
Q: What a tech cannot do
Answer: 1. receive oral prescriptions, refill authorizations, or changes to prescriptions2. consult with prescribers about prescriptions3. provide confidential patient information to other health professionals or insurance companies4. checking medications before dispensing them.5. consult with patients about medication use and other health issues6. recommending otc medications
Q: intake area
Answer: 1. where patients leave prescriptions. keep clean and uncluttered. Scan rx in a timely manner to prevent delays
Q: processing area
Answer: data entry occurs here. Keep free from distraction. also houses counting equipment.
Q: processed rx area
Answer: completed prescriptions are stored until pick up
Q: out window-
Answer: where patients pick up completed prescriptions. cash register is used. nearby counseling area.
Q: other areas
Answer: administration area, clean room for sterile compounding, otc area, and consultation room
Q: Pharmacy Security
Answer: 1. pharmacy doors should always be closed. Unauthorized persons should not have access2. Non pharmacy personnel should not be allowed to enter unless designated and approved to work in that area.3. pharmacy should be locked any time a pharmacist is not on duty.
Q: Receiving Staff Responsible for-
Answer: 1. verify name, address, DOB as well as quantity of orders received2. shipments must be inspected for damage and observations noted3. products requiring special care, such as temperature conditions should be given priority4. shipments should be inspected to ensure they exactly match the details written on the purchase order.5. invoice should be signed and dated by whoever receives the shipment6. expiration dates must be checked to ensure that they are compliant with pharmacy standards.7. Any product on back order should be brought to the pharmacist’s or management’s attention to prevent any possible outages
Q: Stocking Medications- Pay attention to
Answer: 1. Expiration of new products2. products inspected and anything unusual reported to pharmacist3. report prescription patterns to members responsible for ordering/purchasing4. stock should be examined for damaged or recalled products5. as stock bottles are placed into inventory, label information should be noted.
Q: Identifying expired products-
Answer: techs are responsible for checking dates prior to dispensing to determine whether the entire rx is likely to be used by the pt prior to expiration date.
Q: Controlled Substances Act-
Answer: 1970. Regulates manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of substances with abuse potential. Created five federal schedules of controlled substances. Scheduling determined by DEA. Techs responsible for knowing federal and state rules.
Q: Schedule 1
Answer: High potential for abuseno accepted medical use in USunsafe for use under medical supervisionLSD and Heroin
Q: Schedule 2
Answer: Have current accepted medical use in UShigh potential for abuse or physical/psychological dependencemorphine, methamphetamine, secobarbital
Q: Schedule 3
Answer: Have abuse potential less than C1-2Moderate or low physical dependenceMay lead to high psychological dependencemorphine/opium combo products, central nervous system stimulants and depressants
Q: Schedule 4
Answer: low potential for abuselimited risk for dependencecompound/mixture containing limited amount of controlled substance with noncontrolled active ingredients (cough suppressants)difenoxin and dephenoxylate preparations
Q: Form 222
Answer: used when ordering controlspen and papermiddle copy forwarded to DEArecord quantity, date received
Q: How long must invoiced for controls be kept?
Answer: 7 years
Q: How often must inventory of controls be taken?
Answer: 2 weeks at a minimum
Q: How often must inventory of regular drugs be taken?
Answer: monthly
Q: The records of which Schedule drugs must be kept separate?
Answer: C2
Q: How many times can c3-4 meds be refilled?
Answer: Up to five times in 6 months if authorized
Q: How many times can a c2 be refilled
Answer: it cannot be refilled
Q: if the entire quantity is not available, how long do you have to dispense the entirety of a c2 prescription?
Answer: 72 hours, otherwise the rx is considered to be expired
Q: True/False, in an emergency, a c2 rx can be taken by phone
Answer: True. Must say Emergency on rx. Must be followed by written rx. Prescriber has 7 days to follow with a written prescription. Some states require written rx within 24 hours.
Q: Information required in c2 books
Answer: 1. dispensing date2. name of product3. quantity4. name, signature, and address of purchaser5. pharmacist signature
Q: Methamphetamine Precursor Control Act
Answer: Customers required to show IDMust have: name, address, date/time, quantity
Q: Daily limit for Sudafed
Answer: 3.6gm
Q: Monthly limit for Sudafed
Answer: 9gm
Q: DEA numbers
Answer: First letter will be A,B,M,FSecond usually first letter of prescriber last name
Q: Four steps to Check DEA numbers
Answer: add the first, third, and fifth digitadd the second, fourth, and sixth digit and multiply by twoadd the result of the first two stepsthe last digit of the calculation should be the same as the seventh digit
Q: Generic Substitution
Answer: substituting a lower cost generic when brand name is prescribed. Often mandated by third party.
Q: What determines whether or not you can substitute a generic for brand?
Answer: Prescriber will either check “may substitute” or “DAW(dispense as written)”
Q: HIPAA
Answer: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act1996Privacy is important
Q: OBRA 90
Answer: federal law requiring pharmacists to keep records of all medications used by medicaid patients. Pharmacists required to counsel all medicaid patients. Generally interpreted to include all patients.
Q: Consumer Product Safety Commission
Answer: requires child-resistant packaging on any substance that might cause serious injury to children.Nitro is an exception
Q: FDA
Answer: responsible for approval of drugs deemed safe and effective for human use. Testing phases are required
Q: State Boards of Pharmacy
Answer: regulate safe practices and requiring registration for those practicing pharmacy.Determine scope of practice for techsInspections to determine compliance.
Q: Standard Setting Organizations
Answer: Joint CommissionNational Commission for Quality Assurance (NCQA)United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
Q: Manufacturer Drug Package Labeling must have
Answer: 1. brand or trade name2. generic name3. medication’s strength (amount of active ingred)4. legend statement- (rx only)5. storage requirements6. package quantity7. dosage form8. Manufacturer’s name9. controlled substance mark10. lot number11. expiration date12. NDC
Q: First five digits of NDC indicate
Answer: Manufacturer
Q: Second four digits of NDC indicate
Answer: name, strength, dosage form
Q: Last two digits of NDC indicate
Answer: package size
Q: Common use of Analgesic
Answer: treatment of mild to moderate pain
Q: Generic Analgesics
Answer: acetaminophenacetylsalicylic acidacetaminophen/hydrocodone comboacetaminophen/oxycodone combo
Q: Brand Name Analgesics
Answer: TylenolAspirinVicodinPercocet
Q: Common use of Antibiotics
Answer: treatment of bacterial infections
Q: Generic Antibiotics
Answer: amoxicillinazithromycinciprofloxacinclarithromycinlevofloxacin
Q: Brand name Antiobiotics
Answer: AmoxilZithromaxCiproBiaxin XLLevaquin
Q: Anticoagulant common use
Answer: prevent/inhibit clotting of blood
Q: Anticoagulant generics
Answer: Enoxaparin sodiumHeparin SodiumWarfarin Sodium
Q: Anticoagulant Brand Names
Answer: LovenoxHeparinCoumadin
Q: Anticonvulsant Common Use
Answer: treatment of seizures
Q: Anticonvulsant generics
Answer: ClonazepamPhenobarbital SodiumGabapentinPhenytoin Sodium
Q: Anticonvulsant Brand Names
Answer: KlonopinDilantinNeurontinDilantin
Q: Common interactions: Blood thinners
Answer: interact with other meds or foods to increase bleeding or increase the medication effectiveness. Diet can be a factor in the effectiveness of warfarin
Q: Common interactions: Heart Meds
Answer: other drugs can affect metabolism of these medssmall changes can result in significant effects which can cause toxicity or lack of efficiency
Q: Common interactions: Antibiotics
Answer: rashes and diarrhea are the most commoncan cause photosensitivitycan alter metabolism of other medications
Q: Common interactions: Diuretics
Answer: changes in serum potassium and sodium levels directly associated with these medications can cause serious side effects
Q: Common Interactions: Herbal Products
Answer: Can affect potency of prescribed medications and should be noted in patients profile.
Q: Capsules
Answer: gelatin containers filled with medications. Considered easier to swallow.
Q: Tablets
Answer: solid dosage formsvary greatly in size, color, shape, weight, etcSometimes scored to facilitate breakingsometimes coated to delay absorption
Q: Buccal Tablets
Answer: placed in buccal pouch between cheek and gums to dissolve
Q: Sublingual Tablets
Answer: placed under tongue and dissolve rapidly
Q: Chewable Tablets
Answer: chew before swallowing, only those marked as chewable should be chewed
Q: Effervescent Tablets
Answer: mixtures of acids and sodium bicarbonate plus active ingredients. Should not be chewed or swallowed. Should be dissolved in water.
Q: Enteric-coated tablets
Answer: coated to prevent dissolving in stomach. Move to small intestine.
Q: Toches and lozenges
Answer: held in the mouth while they dissolve. Keep medication in contact with mouth and throat.
Q: pills
Answer: originally made from powdered raw materials mixed with sticky liquid
Q: LA
Answer: long acting
Q: SA
Answer: Sustained Action
Q: SR
Answer: Sustained-Release
Q: CR
Answer: Controlled- Release
Q: XR/XL
Answer: Extended-Release
Q: TR
Answer: Timed-Release
Q: Solutions
Answer: solid ingredients are dissolved in liquid (usually water)
Q: Suspension
Answer: medication particles are suspended in liquid. Medication is not dissolved. In order to help the medication stay suspended, an agent is added to make the preparation thick. Can settle. Need to be shaken.
Q: Reconstitution of Powders to liquids
Answer: adding a specific amount of distilled water. Deteriorate rapidly as liquids. Generally effective for 10-14 days. need to be refrigerated.
Q: Elixirs
Answer: clearhydroalcoholic (water/alcohol)orally usedoften contain flavoring substances
Q: Fluid extracts and tinctures
Answer: alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substancescontain enough alcohol to necessitate tight containers to prevent evaporation
Q: Syrups
Answer: concentrated solutions of sugar in water with active ingredients. May contain alcohol
Q: Emulsions
Answer: mixtures of oil and water. Separate over time. Must be shaken.
Q: Ointments
Answer: greasy preparationspetroleum jelly basegood for areas that need protectionleave heavy coatings
Q: cream
Answer: water/oil/other substancesnot as much protection as ointmentsmore appealing (less greasy/absorbed by skin)
Q: Lotions
Answer: like creams, but more liquidapplied easier over larger areas
Q: liniments
Answer: mixtures of various substances in oil, alcoholic solutions of soap, or emulsions intended for external application.often used with heat-producing products
Q: gels
Answer: semi-solid suspensions of very small particlesusually water based
Q: collodions
Answer: liquids that dry as flexible films on skinwart/corn/callus removers
Q: transdermal patches
Answer: stick to skin with adhesives, long lasting12 hours to several daysnitro for angina or estrogens for hormone replacement
Q: suppositories
Answer: cylindrical, egg, or pear shapedsome for insertion into rectum or vagina.local effects or to be absorbed
Q: vaginal tablets
Answer: inserted into vaginaremind patients to remove wrapper
Q: otic
Answer: for the earusually in dropper bottles
Q: opthalmic
Answer: for the eyesmust be sterile
Q: Aerosols
Answer: sprayable products using pressurized gas and valve systemscommonly used for skin application or inhalation into lungs or nasal passages
Q: Chewing Gum
Answer: absorbed through mucus membranesnicotine gum
Q: Parenteral Medications
Answer: sterile preparations injected with syringesinsulin