PTCB Practice Test on Order Entry and Processing 2024

Last Updated on June 15, 2024

PTCB Practice Test on Order Entry and Processing 2024. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board PTCB Practice Test on Order Entry and Processing Questions Answers with explanation for Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

Strengthen your preparation for the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) exam with our updated PTCB Practice Test on Order Entry and Processing for 2024. This practice test includes 30 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each with detailed explanations to enhance your understanding and readiness for the exam.

Order Entry and Processing Practice Test 2024

Start your practice today with this updated test to ensure you are well-prepared for the PTCB exam. A successful pharmacy technician career requires proficiency in order entry and processing.

Part 1

1. What is the purpose of adding flavoring agents to oral liquids for pediatric patients?

  • (A) To increase the potency of the medication
  • (B) To make the medication more palatable
  • (C) To reduce side effects
  • (D) To change the stability of the medication

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: Flavoring agents are added to oral liquids for pediatric patients to make the medication more palatable without changing the stability or beyond-use date (BUD) of the liquid.

2. What is an enema used for?

  • (A) Oral administration of medication
  • (B) Nasal administration of medication
  • (C) Rectal administration for bowel evacuation
  • (D) Sublingual administration for rapid absorption

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: An enema is a liquid solution inserted into the rectum through the anus for the purpose of bowel evacuation.

3. What is the preferred environment for compounding enemas?

  • (A) Sterile environment
  • (B) Non-sterile environment
  • (C) Contaminated environment
  • (D) Any environment

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: Enemas are typically compounded in a clean non-sterile environment as sterile compounding procedures are not necessary.

4. How are suppositories administered?

  • (A) Orally
  • (B) Rectally, vaginally, or urethrally
  • (C) Intravenously
  • (D) Sublingually

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: Suppositories are solid dosage forms that are administered rectally, vaginally, or urethrally.

5. What is the purpose of using a vehicle like cocoa butter in suppositories?

  • (A) To increase the strength of the medication
  • (B) To allow the suppository to melt at body temperature
  • (C) To make the suppository more flavorful
  • (D) To prevent the medication from being absorbed

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: Cocoa butter is used as a base in suppositories to allow them to melt at body temperature.

6. Which of the following is a method used to fill capsules when a large number is needed?

  • (A) Punch method
  • (B) Capsule filling machine
  • (C) Mold method
  • (D) Drop method

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: A capsule filling machine is used when a large number of capsules need to be filled.

7. What is the beyond-use date (BUD) for non-aqueous oral solids?

  • (A) 14 days
  • (B) 90 days
  • (C) 6 months
  • (D) 1 year

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: The beyond-use date (BUD) for non-aqueous oral solids is 6 months when stored at room temperature.

8. Which type of liquid dosage form is used for bowel evacuation?

  • (A) Solution
  • (B) Elixir
  • (C) Suspension
  • (D) Enema

View Answer
Answer: (D) Explanation: An enema is used for bowel evacuation by inserting the liquid into the rectum.

9. What does USP <795> provide guidelines for?

  • (A) Sterile compounding
  • (B) Non-sterile compounding
  • (C) Manufacturing
  • (D) Administration of medications

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: USP <795> provides guidelines for non-sterile compounding.

10. What is a common size for the smallest capsule?

  • (A) 0
  • (B) 1
  • (C) 5
  • (D) 000

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: The smallest capsule size is 5, which contains approximately 50 mg of medication.

11. What is the primary purpose of compounding medications?

  • (A) To change the medication’s efficacy
  • (B) To customize medications to meet individual patient needs
  • (C) To reduce the cost of medications
  • (D) To standardize dosages

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: The primary purpose of compounding medications is to customize them to meet individual patient needs.

12. Which method is used for calculating beyond-use dates (BUD) for compounded products?

  • (A) FDA guidelines
  • (B) USP <795> guidelines
  • (C) Manufacturer’s instructions
  • (D) Pharmacist’s discretion

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: Beyond-use dates (BUD) for compounded products are calculated using USP <795> guidelines.

13. How long should aqueous dosage forms be refrigerated according to USP <795> guidelines?

  • (A) 7 days
  • (B) 14 days
  • (C) 30 days
  • (D) 60 days

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: According to USP <795> guidelines, aqueous dosage forms should be refrigerated and have a beyond-use date of 14 days.

14. Which type of compounding does NOT require a sterile environment?

  • (A) Intravenous (IV) medications
  • (B) Ophthalmic solutions
  • (C) Enemas
  • (D) Intramuscular (IM) injections

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: Enemas do not require a sterile environment for compounding and can be compounded in a clean, non-sterile environment.

15. Which vehicle is used in suppositories that melt at body temperature?

  • (A) Water
  • (B) PEG
  • (C) Cocoa butter
  • (D) Glycerin

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: Cocoa butter is used as a base in suppositories that are designed to melt at body temperature.

16. What is the smallest capsule size and its average content?

  • (A) 0, 450 mg
  • (B) 1, 300 mg
  • (C) 5, 50 mg
  • (D) 000, 1000 mg

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: The smallest capsule size is 5, which typically contains around 50 mg of medication.

17. What is the importance of leading zeros in medication dosages?

  • (A) They are optional and rarely used
  • (B) They help clarify dosing and prevent overlooking the decimal point
  • (C) They make dosages easier to read
  • (D) They prevent medication errors by showing exact measurements

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: Leading zeros are important for patient safety as they help clarify dosing and prevent overlooking the decimal point.

18. What is the purpose of alligation in pharmacy practice?

  • (A) To mix different drugs together
  • (B) To determine parts needed from each ingredient to achieve a desired concentration
  • (C) To separate drugs based on their chemical properties
  • (D) To calculate the volume of liquid medications

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: Alligation is used in pharmacy practice to determine how many parts of each ingredient are needed to achieve a desired concentration.

19. When using dimensional analysis for dosage calculations, what is the primary goal?

  • (A) To increase the strength of a medication
  • (B) To convert units accurately by canceling out like units
  • (C) To reduce the volume of liquid medications
  • (D) To prepare sterile compounds

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: The primary goal of dimensional analysis is to convert units accurately by canceling out like units, ensuring correct dosages.

20. How are percentages commonly expressed in pharmacy calculations?

  • (A) As fractions
  • (B) As decimals
  • (C) As ratios
  • (D) All of the above

View Answer
Answer: (D) Explanation: Percentages are commonly expressed as fractions, decimals, and ratios in pharmacy calculations.

21. What is the beyond-use date (BUD) for aqueous dosage forms stored in the refrigerator?

  • (A) 7 days
  • (B) 14 days
  • (C) 30 days
  • (D) 60 days

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: The beyond-use date (BUD) for aqueous dosage forms stored in the refrigerator is 14 days.

22. What method is used to fill capsules when only a small number is needed?

  • (A) Punch method
  • (B) Capsule filling machine
  • (C) Mold method
  • (D) Drop method

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: The punch method is used to fill capsules when only a small number is needed.

23. What is a fraction in pharmacy calculations?

  • (A) A whole number
  • (B) A part of a whole
  • (C) A decimal point
  • (D) A percentage

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: A fraction is a part of a whole and is used to represent portions in pharmacy calculations.

24. What is the range of capsule sizes available?

  • (A) 1 to 5
  • (B) 0 to 4
  • (C) 5 to 000
  • (D) 1 to 000

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: Capsule sizes range from 5 (smallest) to 000 (largest).

25. What is the purpose of using molds in the preparation of suppositories?

  • (A) To enhance the flavor
  • (B) To form the shape needed
  • (C) To increase potency
  • (D) To sterilize the medication

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: Molds are used in the preparation of suppositories to form the shape needed for proper administration.

26. What should be the storage condition for suppositories made with cocoa butter?

  • (A) Room temperature
  • (B) Refrigerated
  • (C) Frozen
  • (D) In a dry place

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: Suppositories made with cocoa butter should be stored in the refrigerator to avoid premature dissolving.

27. How is a fraction converted into a decimal?

  • (A) Multiply the numerator by the denominator
  • (B) Add the numerator and denominator
  • (C) Divide the numerator by the denominator
  • (D) Subtract the denominator from the numerator

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: A fraction is converted into a decimal by dividing the numerator by the denominator.

28. What is the average amount of medication contained in a size 1 capsule?

  • (A) 150 mg
  • (B) 200 mg
  • (C) 300 mg
  • (D) 450 mg

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: A size 1 capsule contains on average 300 mg of medication.

29. What does the abbreviation BUD stand for in pharmacy?

  • (A) Beyond-use date
  • (B) Basic usage duration
  • (C) Biological usage data
  • (D) Base unit dose

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: BUD stands for beyond-use date, which is the date after which a compounded medication should not be used.

30. What should be done if a flavoring agent is added to an oral liquid medication?

  • (A) Change the BUD
  • (B) Follow a formula to determine the correct flavor and amount
  • (C) Increase the dosage of the medication
  • (D) Store it in a different container

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: When a flavoring agent is added to an oral liquid medication, a formula should be followed to determine the correct flavor and amount to be added.

Part 2

1. Which of the following has a cylindrical shape with a wide base and is used for liquid measurement, mixing, or heating?

  • (A) Graduated cylinder
  • (B) Beaker
  • (C) Conical cylinder
  • (D) Mortar and pestle

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: A beaker has a cylindrical shape with a wide base and is used for liquid measurement, mixing, or heating.

2. Cocoa butter can be used as a base for melting at body temperature when compounding

  • (A) ointments.
  • (B) creams.
  • (C) enemas.
  • (D) suppositories.

View Answer
Answer: (D) Explanation: Cocoa butter is used as a base in suppositories to allow them to melt at body temperature.

3. A patient weighs 187 pounds. An order is written for this patient for 8 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. How many mg would there be in one dose?

  • (A) 227 mg
  • (B) 499 mg
  • (C) 680 mg
  • (D) 1,496 mg

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: Convert the patient’s weight to kg: 187 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 85 kg. Then, calculate the total daily dose: 8 mg/kg/day × 85 kg = 680 mg/day. Divide this by three doses: 680 mg ÷ 3 = 227 mg per dose.

4. Calculate the days’ supply for the following prescription: ii tabs PO every 4–6 hours PRN disp #36

  • (A) 2 days
  • (B) 3 days
  • (C) 4 days
  • (D) 7 days

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: If the patient takes the maximum dose (2 tabs every 4 hours), they would take 12 tabs per day. Therefore, 36 tabs ÷ 12 tabs/day = 3 days. If they take the minimum dose (2 tabs every 6 hours), they would take 8 tabs per day. Therefore, 36 tabs ÷ 8 tabs/day = 4.5 days. Thus, the prescription would last between 3 to 4.5 days.

5. A patient has an order written for 135 mL of oral liquid. What size bottle should be used to fill this prescription?

  • (A) 3 fl. oz.
  • (B) 4 fl. oz.
  • (C) 6 fl. oz.
  • (D) 8 fl. oz.

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: Convert mL to fl. oz.: 135 mL ÷ 29.57 mL/fl. oz. ≈ 4.57 fl. oz. Therefore, a 6 fl. oz. bottle should be used to ensure there is enough space for the liquid.

6. A bulk bottle of oral tablets is repackaged in a hospital pharmacy. The bulk bottle expires in 9 months. What BUD should be documented on these tablets?

  • (A) The expiration date of the bulk bottle
  • (B) 30 days
  • (C) 6 months
  • (D) 1 year

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: When repackaging, the beyond-use date (BUD) for solid dosage forms like tablets is typically 6 months or the manufacturer’s expiration date, whichever is earlier. In this case, 6 months is the appropriate BUD.

7. Which type of solution is used for bowel evacuation and is administered rectally?

  • (A) Solution
  • (B) Elixir
  • (C) Suspension
  • (D) Enema

View Answer
Answer: (D) Explanation: An enema is a liquid solution inserted into the rectum for the purpose of bowel evacuation.

8. What is the purpose of using a capsule filling machine?

  • (A) To fill capsules with exact measurements
  • (B) To increase the potency of the medication
  • (C) To mix different medications together
  • (D) To enhance the flavor of the medication

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: A capsule filling machine is used to fill capsules with exact measurements, especially when a large number of capsules are needed.

9. Which of the following is a common base used in suppositories that do not need to be refrigerated?

  • (A) Cocoa butter
  • (B) PEG
  • (C) Glycerin
  • (D) Water

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) is a base used in suppositories that do not need to be refrigerated as it does not dissolve at body temperature.

10. What should be done with medications that are about to expire soon?

  • (A) Store them with regular inventory
  • (B) Discard them immediately
  • (C) Use a method for identification and use them first
  • (D) Return them to the manufacturer

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: Medications that are about to expire soon should have a method for identification (such as a specific color sticker) to identify which medications to use first.

11. If a medication has an expiration date of April 2024, until when can it be used?

  • (A) Until the start of April 2024
  • (B) Until the end of April 2024
  • (C) Until the middle of April 2024
  • (D) Until March 2024

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: A medication can be used until the end of the month indicated in the expiration date. Therefore, it can be used until the end of April 2024.

12. Which method should be used to convert 2.5 liters to milliliters?

  • (A) Divide by 1,000
  • (B) Multiply by 1,000
  • (C) Add 1,000
  • (D) Subtract 1,000

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: To convert liters to milliliters, multiply the number of liters by 1,000. Therefore, 2.5 liters is equal to 2,500 milliliters.

13. How many milligrams are in 0.5 grams?

  • (A) 50 mg
  • (B) 500 mg
  • (C) 5,000 mg
  • (D) 0.05 mg

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: There are 1,000 milligrams in one gram. Therefore, 0.5 grams is equal to 500 milligrams.

14. If a patient is prescribed 0.75 grams of a medication, how many milligrams should be dispensed?

  • (A) 750 mg
  • (B) 75 mg
  • (C) 7.5 mg
  • (D) 0.75 mg

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: To convert grams to milligrams, multiply by 1,000. Therefore, 0.75 grams is equal to 750 milligrams.

15. Calculate the total amount of medication in milligrams for a patient prescribed 250 mg of medication four times a day for 7 days.

  • (A) 7,000 mg
  • (B) 7,500 mg
  • (C) 8,000 mg
  • (D) 10,000 mg

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: Calculate the daily dose: 250 mg × 4 = 1,000 mg/day. Then multiply by the number of days: 1,000 mg/day × 7 days = 7,000 mg.

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