Hospital Pharmacy MCQs Quiz: Test Your Knowledge With Answers

A package containing the amount of a drug required for one dose is called a unit dose. This term refers to the specific quantity of medication that is intended to be taken by a patient at one time. Unit doses are commonly used in healthcare settings to ensure accurate and safe administration of medications to patients. They are pre-packaged and labeled with the necessary information, making it convenient for healthcare professionals to dispense the correct dosage to patients.

A form that tracks the medications administered to a patient is called a medication administration record. This record is used to document the specific medications given to a patient, including the dosage, time, and route of administration. It helps healthcare professionals keep track of the medications a patient has received and ensures accurate and safe medication administration.

Emergency drug procurement refers to the process of quickly obtaining a medication that is currently out of stock in an urgent situation. This could occur in a healthcare setting where a patient's life is at risk and the required medication is not readily available. In such cases, emergency drug procurement involves taking immediate steps to source the medication from alternative suppliers or manufacturers to ensure that the patient receives the necessary treatment without delay.

An automated dispense system refers to a system where medications are dispensed from an automated unit at the point of use. This system eliminates the need for manual dispensing by healthcare professionals and ensures accuracy and efficiency in medication administration. It helps in reducing medication errors, streamlining the medication distribution process, and improving patient safety.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) refers to the administration of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients directly into the patient's bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This method is used when a patient is unable to consume food orally or when their digestive system is not functioning properly. TPN provides all the necessary nutrients to support the patient's nutritional needs and helps maintain their overall health.

An outpatient pharmacy is a type of hospital pharmacy that caters to patients who have been discharged from the hospital or are visiting doctors in a hospital outpatient clinic. It provides prescription medications and other pharmaceutical services to these patients outside of the inpatient setting. This type of pharmacy is specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals who do not require overnight hospitalization but still require access to medication and pharmacy services.

Drip rounds is the process in which the pharmacy technician goes to specific nursing units to find out what IV drips will be needed later that day. This involves checking with the nursing staff to determine the specific IV medications and dosages required for each patient. By conducting drip rounds, the pharmacy technician can ensure that the necessary IV drips are prepared and available for administration, helping to streamline the medication management process and ensure patient safety.

A system that uses compressed air as the force to transport objects through a tube is called a pneumatic tube. This technology has been used in various industries, such as healthcare and banking, to quickly and efficiently transport items like documents, cash, or medication. The compressed air creates pressure within the tube, propelling the objects from one location to another. Pneumatic tubes are known for their speed, reliability, and ability to transport items over long distances without the need for human intervention.

Short stability refers to medication that will expire soon after preparation, typically within 1-6 hours. This means that the medication's effectiveness and safety will decrease rapidly after it is prepared, making it important to use it within a short period of time.

HIPAA is a federal law that safeguards a patient's private information regardless of how it is communicated. This includes information that is spoken, written, or electronically transferred. The law ensures that healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other organizations handling patient data maintain strict confidentiality and take necessary measures to protect sensitive information.

A clean room is a controlled environment that is specifically designed to minimize contamination and maintain sterility. It is used for the preparation of sterile products, such as medications and medical devices. The clean room has strict protocols and regulations in place to ensure a high level of cleanliness and prevent the introduction of any contaminants. This area is essential in healthcare settings to ensure the safety and efficacy of sterile products that are used in patient care.

A sterile, preservative-free medication administered into a patient's epidural space is known as an epidural. This type of medication is commonly used for pain management during childbirth or surgery. It is injected near the spinal cord and backbone to provide localized pain relief.

Automated dispensing systems are designed to contain unit dose medications, which are pre-packaged doses of medication that are ready for administration. These systems are often restocked by technicians who ensure that an adequate supply of medications is available. The main benefit of these systems is that they allow nurses to quickly obtain medications, saving time and improving efficiency in healthcare settings. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above" as all the given statements are true about automated dispensing systems.

When a medication is ordered as "PRN" for pain, it means it should be administered as needed, based on the severity of the patient’s symptoms. This could involve giving the medication whenever the patient reports pain, within the prescribed guidelines or dosing intervals. The key factor in PRN orders is patient condition, not fixed intervals. Therefore, medications should be given in response to the patient’s subjective report of pain or discomfort, not on a strict schedule. This allows for more personalized and responsive treatment, especially in managing acute or intermittent pain where dosing frequency can vary.

A computerized patient medical record, also known as an electronic health record (EHR), encompasses both an electronic medical record (EMR) and the broader concept of managing a patient's health information electronically. Therefore, the correct answer is "Both 1 and 2" because an EHR includes the functionalities of an EMR while also providing a more comprehensive approach to managing patient health records.

An intravenous piggyback (IVPB) is a small-volume parenteral medication that is connected to a primary large-volume parenteral (LVP) for administration. This setup allows for intermittent delivery of medication without interrupting the continuous infusion of the primary solution. IVPB is commonly used for antibiotics and other medications that require periodic dosing. The term "intravenous piggyback" (IVPB) describes this method, which is why both terms are correct. This method helps ensure that medications are delivered effectively while maintaining fluid balance and minimizing the need for multiple IV lines.

A stat order refers to an order given to administer medication immediately. It is used when there is an urgent need for medication and cannot be delayed. This type of order ensures that the medication is given promptly to address the patient's immediate medical needs.

The essential information missing from the medication order is the route of administration. The order specifies the medication name (Ciprofloxacin), the dose (400 mg), and the timing (q 12hr X 7 days), but it does not mention how the medication should be administered (e.g., orally, intravenously, topically). The route of administration is crucial for ensuring that the medication is given correctly and effectively.

A central pharmacy refers to the main in-patient pharmacy in a hospital that serves as the primary location for dispensing medications and managing pharmaceutical services. It is the central hub where all medications are stored, prepared, and distributed to various departments and units within the hospital. This central pharmacy is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of medications to patients, coordinating with pharmacy satellites in other areas of the hospital if necessary.

Reconstitution refers to the process of making a solution or suspension by adding water or another diluent to a pre-made powder form of a drug in a drug bottle. This is commonly done with medications that are supplied in powder form and need to be mixed with a liquid before administration. Compounding, on the other hand, involves the preparation of customized medications by combining different ingredients. Therefore, the correct answer is reconstitution.

Recall refers to the voluntary or involuntary removal of a drug product by the manufacturer, usually pertaining to a particular shipment or lot number. It is a process where the manufacturer takes back the product from the market due to potential safety concerns, defects, or regulatory non-compliance. This action is taken to protect the public from any harm that may arise from the use of the product.

The correct answer is two to eight degrees. Hepatitis B vaccine needs to be refrigerated within this temperature range to maintain its effectiveness and prevent degradation. If the vaccine is stored at temperatures outside of this range, it may become less potent or even ineffective. Therefore, it is crucial to store the vaccine properly to ensure its efficacy when administered to individuals.

The correct answer is "formulary". A formulary is a list of drugs that have been selected by a hospital or healthcare organization. This list is based on various factors such as safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and availability. The formulary helps guide healthcare providers in prescribing medications and ensures that the stocked drugs meet the specific needs of the hospital and its patients.

A closed formulary is a type of formulary that restricts physicians to only prescribing medications that are included on the formulary list. This means that physicians are limited to a specific set of approved medications for their patients. This can help control costs and ensure that patients are receiving medications that are deemed safe and effective by the formulary committee.

Extemporaneous compounds are medications that need to be prepared according to a specific recipe or formula because they are not commercially available. This means that these medications are not mass-produced and cannot be purchased from a pharmacy. Instead, they are individually prepared by a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist, based on the specific needs of a patient. Extemporaneous compounds are often required when a patient needs a medication that is not available in a standard dosage or form, or when a patient has specific allergies or sensitivities that require a customized formulation.

Restricted distribution refers to medications that have limited availability due to various reasons such as high cost, manufacturing issues, or safety concerns. These medications are not widely accessible to the general public and may require special authorization or specific conditions for their use. The term "restricted distribution" implies that there are limitations or restrictions imposed on the distribution and availability of these medications.

PCT stands for Patient Care Technician, which is a healthcare worker who assists with patient care but does not have the authority to prescribe medications. On the other hand, MD (Medical Doctor), RPH (Registered Pharmacist) , and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are all healthcare professionals who are qualified and authorized to prescribe medications for patients. Therefore, the correct answer is PCT.

A PRN order allows patients to receive medications "as needed". PRN stands for "pro re nata" which means "as the circumstance arises" in Latin. This type of order is given when the healthcare provider determines that the patient should receive a medication based on their specific needs or symptoms. It allows for flexibility in medication administration, as the medication is given when necessary rather than on a fixed schedule.

The medication order states that lansoprazole 15 mg should be taken orally twice a day. The concentration of the extemporaneously compounded lansoprazole suspension is 3 mg/ml. To calculate the volume of suspension needed for each dose, we divide the desired dose (15 mg) by the concentration (3 mg/ml). This gives us 5 ml, which means that 5 ml of the lansoprazole suspension is required for each dose.

The main responsibilities of a pharmacy technician include preparing medication orders and conducting unit inspections. However, administering medications to patients is not typically the responsibility of a pharmacy technician. This task is usually carried out by a nurse. The pharmacy technician's role is primarily focused on assisting pharmacists in various tasks related to medication management and dispensing.

According to hospital policy, "restricted" medications must be approved by the appropriate service before they can be dispensed. This means that before these medications can be given to patients, they need to be reviewed and authorized by the relevant department or service within the hospital. This ensures that the medications are being used appropriately and in line with the hospital's guidelines and protocols. The approval process helps to prevent any potential misuse or errors in medication administration.

A pharmacy satellite is a branch of in-patient pharmacy that is responsible for preparing, dispensing, and monitoring medications for specific patient areas. Unlike a central pharmacy, which serves the entire hospital, a pharmacy satellite is located within a specific department or unit, such as the intensive care unit or the emergency department. This allows for more efficient and specialized medication management for patients in those areas. An out-patient pharmacy, on the other hand, is responsible for providing medications to patients who are not admitted to the hospital and receive treatment on an outpatient basis.

The given answer, 1400, is the correct time in military format for 2pm. In military time, the hours are represented on a 24-hour clock, where 1pm is 1300, 2pm is 1400, and so on. Therefore, 1400 is the correct military time representation for 2pm.

A quality assurance pharmacy technician performs unit inspections. This involves conducting thorough assessments of various units within the pharmacy to ensure that they are in compliance with quality standards and regulations. By inspecting the units, the technician can identify any potential issues or errors and take appropriate measures to rectify them, thus ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medications and patient care.

The medication order states gentamicin should be given every 8 hours (q8h). If the last dose was given at 16:00 (4:00 PM), the next dose is due at:

16:00 + 8 hours = 00:00 (midnight).

Administering medications at the correct intervals maintains therapeutic drug levels in the body, preventing ineffective treatment or toxicity. Aminoglycosides like gentamicin require precise dosing schedules to avoid kidney damage and ensure bacterial infections are treated effectively. Proper scheduling also aligns with hospital protocols for timely and safe medication administration.

Progress notes are located in the medical chart to detail the current progress of a patient. These notes are typically written by healthcare professionals and provide information about the patient's condition, treatments, and any changes or updates in their medical status. Progress notes are an essential part of the patient's medical record and are used to track their ongoing care and treatment.

The flow rate is calculated by multiplying the dosage (0.3 mcg/kg/min) by the patient's weight (70 kg) and dividing by the concentration of the medication (40 mg/200 ml). This gives us a flow rate of 0.105 mcg/min. To convert this to ml/hr, we need to convert mcg to mg and min to hours. Since 1 mcg is equal to 0.001 mg and 1 hour is equal to 60 minutes, the flow rate is 0.00175 mg/hr. Finally, we divide this by the concentration of the medication (40 mg/200 ml) to get a flow rate of 6.3 ml/hr.

The flow rate can be calculated by first determining the total amount of dopamine to be infused per minute, and then converting it to milliliters per hour. The order states that the infusion rate should be 10 mcg/kg/min, and the patient weighs 55 kg. Therefore, the total amount of dopamine to be infused per minute is 10 mcg/kg/min x 55 kg = 550 mcg/min. Next, we need to convert mcg to mg by dividing by 1000, so 550 mcg/min ÷ 1000 = 0.55 mg/min. Finally, we convert mg/min to ml/hr by multiplying by 60 (minutes per hour) and dividing by the concentration of the dopamine solution (800 mg/250 ml), so (0.55 mg/min x 60 min/hr) ÷ (800 mg/250 ml) = 10.3125 ml/hr, which can be rounded to 10.3 ml/hr.

A device placed at the end of an IV line that is used to remove particulate matter is known as a final filter. This filter is specifically designed to catch any remaining particles or debris before the IV solution reaches the patient. It ensures that the solution is free from any contaminants that could potentially harm the patient. The final filter is an essential component in maintaining the safety and effectiveness of IV therapy.

Nurses use MAR (Medication Administration Record) to track medication administration. The MAR is a documentation tool that contains information about the medications prescribed for each patient, including the medication name, dosage, route of administration, and frequency. It helps nurses keep track of which medications have been administered, when they were given, and by whom. This ensures that patients receive the correct medications at the right time and helps prevent medication errors.

When addressing a missing dose phone call, the technician should ask all of the following except "why was the medication ordered." This question is not relevant to resolving the issue of a missing dose. The technician should instead focus on determining if there is a current order for the medication, when the medication was last dispensed, and if the nurse checked the correct area for the medication.

In cases of drug-drug interactions, the first step a pharmacist should take is to contact the prescribing doctor to adjust the prescription. Drug interactions can lead to increased side effects, reduced efficacy, or even harm to the patient. By notifying the doctor, the pharmacist ensures that the medication regimen is both safe and effective. In addition to understanding the interaction, adjusting dosages, changing medications, or considering alternatives are common steps. Pharmacists play a critical role in preventing adverse reactions by working directly with prescribers, ensuring patient safety while also maintaining the integrity of the prescribed therapy.

When a medication has expired, it is crucial to report it to the pharmacy supervisor. Expired medications may lose their effectiveness or become harmful. Pharmacies are typically bound by regulations to ensure that expired stock is removed. A pharmacist’s role is to maintain the quality and safety of all medications in inventory. Disposing of expired medications in accordance with hospital protocols ensures patient safety and prevents medication errors. In some cases, pharmacists must verify with manufacturers for specific guidelines regarding expired medications, but patient safety should always be the primary concern when handling such issues.

Par stands for "periodic automatic replenishment" or "par level." It refers to the amount of a drug product that should be kept on the pharmacy shelf at all times. This ensures that there is always an adequate supply of the medication available for dispensing to patients. The par level is determined based on factors such as the medication's demand, shelf life, and storage requirements. It helps to prevent stockouts and ensures efficient inventory management in the pharmacy.

Batching refers to the process of preparing large quantities of unit-dose oral solutions/suspensions or small volume parenterals in advance for future use. This allows for efficient and organized preparation of medications, ensuring that an adequate supply is available when needed. Batching helps to streamline the compounding process and minimize the time and effort required for individual preparations. It is an important practice in pharmacy settings to ensure the availability of medications and improve workflow.

A record of medications compounded in the pharmacy is called a bulk compounding log. This log is used to document the process of compounding medications in large quantities, typically for institutional use or for compounding pharmacies. It helps to track the ingredients used, the quantities prepared, and the date of compounding. The bulk compounding log ensures accuracy, quality control, and traceability of compounded medications.

An inpatient pharmacy is a hospital-based pharmacy that provides medications exclusively for admitted patients. Unlike outpatient pharmacies, which serve patients who visit for consultations, inpatient pharmacies ensure that hospitalized patients receive the correct dosages of prescribed medications. They also prepare intravenous (IV) medications, manage drug inventories, and coordinate with medical teams to ensure proper drug administration. These pharmacies play a crucial role in patient care by monitoring drug interactions, preventing medication errors, and ensuring that essential medications are always available within the hospital.

Bulk bottles used for extemporaneous oral compounding must be labeled with the name of the drug, expiration date, concentration, lot number specific to the hospital, and pharmacist initials. This ensures that the medication can be properly identified, tracked, and traced back to the hospital and pharmacist responsible for its preparation. Including the concentration helps to ensure accurate dosing, while the lot number allows for quality control and recall purposes. The pharmacist initials provide accountability and allow for easy identification of the responsible individual.

The National Drug Code (NDC) is crucial for drug identification, providing key details about the manufacturer, formulation, and drug strength. The NDC is essential for inventory control, billing, and regulatory purposes. When a pharmacist or healthcare provider needs to know information about a specific drug, the NDC allows them to quickly access the correct product. In addition, NDCs are used by insurance companies to process claims and verify drug coverage. The code's primary purpose is not therapeutic classification, but to serve as an efficient identifier for tracking and dispensing medications accurately across healthcare systems.

The pharmacy technician pre-packs oral liquids and the syringes must be unable to accept a needle. This is because oral liquids are typically administered using an oral syringe, which does not require a needle. Therefore, the syringes used for pre-packing oral liquids should not have a needle attachment option.