PTCB Updated PTCE Exam Questions and Answers by aniyah

Look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) drug name pairs (e.g., hydralazine vs hydroxyzine) are a well-recognized cause of wrong-drug errors. ISMP and technician training resources emphasize verifying the National Drug Code (NDC) and/or barcode scanning against the prescription to ensure the correct drug, strength, and manufacturer are selected before counting. The NDC uniquely identifies the labeler, product, and package; thus, verifying the NDC is a stronger safety check than relying on tablet color (which can vary) or lot number (used for traceability/recalls, not drug selection). Strength verification is important, but first you must ensure the correct drug; NDC verification accomplishes both drug and strength confirmation.

References (Pharmacy Technician documents / Study Guides):

• ISMP community pharmacy medication safety guidance on LASA verification and barcode/NDC checks.

• PTCB/ExCPT Medication Safety sections: LASA risk-reduction strategies; NDC use in product selection.

• FDA/Drug listing education: NDC identifies labeler–product–package; used to ensure correct product selection.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Underfederal law (21 CFR §1306.25),Schedule III-V controlled substances (e.g., Alprazolam)can be transferred ONCEfor refill purposes between licensed pharmacieswith a shared database.Schedule II drugs (e.g., Methylphenidate, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone) CANNOT be transferred.

????Explanation of Answer Choices:✅A. Alprazolam (C-IV)→Correct.Schedule III-V drugs can be transferred ONCEfor refill purposes.❌B. Methylphenidate (C-II)→ Incorrect.Schedule II drugs cannot be transferred.❌C. Fentanyl (C-II)→ Incorrect.C-II drugs are non-transferablebetween pharmacies.❌D. Hydromorphone (C-II)→ Incorrect.C-II drugs cannot be transferred.

????Reference:

DEA Controlled Substance Act (CSA)

21 CFR §1306.25 – Prescription Transfers

To determine the correct volume of amoxicillin suspension per dose, use the given concentration and dose.

Prescription dose:150 mg per dose

Suspension concentration:250 mg per 5 mL

Formula to calculate volume needed:Volume (mL)=Prescribed dose (mg)Concentration (mg/mL)\text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{\text{Prescribed dose (mg)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/mL)}}Volume (mL)=Concentration (mg/mL)Prescribed dose (mg)​

Step 1: Identify Given InformationStep 2: Calculate150 mg250 mg/5 mL=150×5250=750250=3 mL\frac{150 \text{ mg}}{250 \text{ mg/5 mL}} = \frac{150 \times 5}{250} = \frac{750}{250} = 3 \text{ mL}250 mg/5 mL150 mg​=250150×5​=250750​=3 mL

Thus, the patient should take3 mL per dose.

B. 4 mL→ Incorrect; this would correspond to a different strength.

C. 5 mL→ Incorrect; this would deliver250 mg, which is incorrect.

D. 6 mL→ Incorrect; this would deliver300 mg, exceeding the prescribed dose.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmaceutical Calculations – Dosage & Volume Calculations)

USP <795> Guidelines for Nonsterile Compounding & Drug Dilution

Lexicomp Drug Monograph for Amoxicillin Suspension

TheNational Drug Code (NDC)is a10- or 11-digit numberthat uniquely identifies drugs in the U.S.

NDC format:

First set of numbers (Labeler Code):Identifies the manufacturer.

Middle set of numbers (Product Code):Identifies the specificdrug, strength, and dosage form(important for accurate product selection).

Last set of numbers (Package Code):Identifies the package size and type.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Identification of therapeutic class?❌NDC codes do not indicate a drug’s therapeutic class.

B. Locating expired medication?❌Expiration dates are printed separately on the packaging.

C. Proper storage of the medication?❌Storage requirements are determined by themanufacturer’s label, not the NDC.

????Reference:FDA NDC Directory Guidelines, PTCE Exam Study Guide.