PTCB Updated PTCE Exam Questions and Answers by samira

Linaclotide (brand name: Linzess)must be dispensed in its original containerbecause:

It is highly moisture-sensitive, and removing it from its original container may lead to degradation.

The manufacturer provides a desiccantin the original packaging toprotect against humidity.

A. Furosemide❌→Does not require original container.

While furosemide tablets should be stored properly,they do not require dispensing in the original container.

C. Valsartan❌→Does not require original container.

Valsartan tablets arestable outside the original container.

D. Sertraline❌→Does not require original container.

Sertraline (Zoloft)can be repackagedwithout stability issues.

FDA Linzess Storage Guidelines– States that Linzessmust be stored in its original container with desiccant.

USP <797> & <800> Guidelines– Cover proper storage and handling of moisture-sensitive drugs.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Includes special drug storage requirements.

Why Not the Other Options?Key References:

DEA requires allcontrolled substance prescriptionsto include thedate of issueas per21 CFR 1306.05(a).

Other required elements:

Patient’s full name and address

Drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity

Directions for use

Prescriber’s name, address,DEA number, and signature

????Reference:DEA Controlled Substance Act;21 CFR 1306.05.

ISMP maintains a “List of Confused Drug Names” highlighting look-alike/sound-alike name pairs with a history of mix-ups. Chlordiazepoxide (a benzodiazepine) and chlorpromazine (a typical antipsychotic) are a classic LASA pair on ISMP lists and in technician study materials, given their similar prefixes (“chlor…”) and length/appearance, leading to documented wrong-drug errors. While other pairs may also resemble one another, ISMP’s established examples include chlordiazepoxide/chlorpromazine specifically.

References (Pharmacy Technician documents / Study Guides):

• ISMP List of Confused Drug Names (community/inpatient).

• PTCB/ExCPT Medication Safety: LASA examples and tall-man lettering strategies.

• ASHP/ISMP LASA risk-reduction recommendations for selection, storage, and labeling.

USP <800> mandates that hazardous drug exposure requires immediate decontamination.

Flushing the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15minutes is the first step.

For eye exposure, an eye wash station must be used immediately.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Writing a report first?❌Incident reports should be done AFTER flushing the area.

B. Ice bag?❌Ice can worsen chemical burns.

C. Soapy water?❌Soap may react with chemicals, causing further irritation.

????Reference:USP <800> Hazardous Drug Handling, OSHA Chemical Safety Guidelines.