Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Practice Questions
Home / Medical, Dental & Clinical Licensure / Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE)
Question 1 of 5.
Which of the following medications is an extended-release tablet?
A. Metoprolol tartrate
B. Hydroxyzine hydrochloride
C. Metoprolol succinate
D. Hydroxyzine pamoate
Explanation: Metoprolol succinate is formulated as an extended-release (ER) tablet, commonly prescribed for conditions like hypertension, angina, and heart failure. It allows for once-daily dosing due to its prolonged action. In contrast: Metoprolol tartrate is an immediate-release version. Hydroxyzine hydrochloride and hydroxyzine pamoate are antihistamines and are not extended-release formulations.
Question 2 of 5.
Fentanyl is considered a high-alert medication in acute care settings because it is a(n):
A. Adrenergic agonist
B. Insulin
C. Neuromuscular blocker
D. Opioid
Explanation: Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic that is used for pain management, especially in acute and critical care settings. It carries a high risk of causing significant patient harm if used in error due to its potency and potential for respiratory depression. That’s why it is classified as a high-alert medication. It is not an adrenergic agonist, insulin, or neuromuscular blocker.
Question 3 of 5.
Which of the following antibiotics can be safely used by a patient who is allergic to macrolides?
A. Clindamycin
B. Erythromycin
C. Azithromycin
D. Clarithromycin
Explanation: Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic, not a macrolide. Therefore, it can be a safe alternative for patients who are allergic to macrolides. Erythromycin, Azithromycin, and Clarithromycin are all macrolide antibiotics and should be avoided in patients with known macrolide allergies.
Question 4 of 5.
Given the following prescription: Lactulose 10 g/15 mL 15 mL PO t.i.d. for 10 days How many tablespoonfuls should be taken at each dose?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Explanation: 1 tablespoonful (tbsp) is equal to 15 mL. Since the prescription says 15 mL per dose, this equals 1 tablespoonful per dose. Thus, the patient should take 1 tablespoonful three times a day (t.i.d.).
Question 5 of 5.
Patients should avoid grapefruit juice while taking:
A. Simvastatin
B. Ibuprofen
C. Lisinopril
D. Doxycycline
Explanation: Grapefruit juice can inhibit the enzyme CYP3A4 in the liver and intestines, which is responsible for metabolizing simvastatin. This can lead to increased levels of simvastatin in the blood, raising the risk of serious side effects like muscle toxicity (myopathy or rhabdomyolysis). Ibuprofen, lisinopril, and doxycycline are not significantly affected by grapefruit juice.
Related Questions
According to the FDA,a Medication Guide must be given to the patient when dispensing:
A prescription states "Take 2 tsp q.i.d.,dispense 20 doses." What volume,in mL,should be dispensed?
Outdated products found in a pharmacy should be:
Serotonin syndrome may result from a drug-drug interaction between:
What is the percentage strength of a 1:16 ratio strength solution?