PTCB Certification Exam Practice Quiz
As we’re sure you’re probably aware, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is the certification required for aspiring pharmacists to achieve before being able to fully immerse themselves in their chosen career path – as it is of vital importance to ensure medication safety by assessing everyone who is going to be in charge of it. Do you know enough to pass your PTCB? Let’s find out.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which is the normal blood pressure rate for an adult?
- A.
130/80
- B.
120/80
- C.
120/80
Correct Answer
B. 120/80Explanation
The normal blood pressure rate for an adult is 120/80. This measurement indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting (systolic pressure) and when it is at rest between beats (diastolic pressure). A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered normal and indicates a healthy blood pressure level.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What does Bradycardia mean?
- A.
Fast heart
- B.
Slow heart
- C.
Abnormal heart
Correct Answer
B. Slow heartExplanation
Bradycardia refers to a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate. It is the opposite of tachycardia, which refers to a fast heart rate. Bradycardia can be caused by various factors such as certain medications, heart diseases, electrolyte imbalances, and underlying medical conditions. Symptoms of bradycardia may include fatigue, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Treatment options for bradycardia depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition, and may include medication, pacemaker implantation, or lifestyle changes.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What does Tachycardia mean?
- A.
Fast heart
- B.
Slow heart
- C.
Abnormal heart
Correct Answer
A. Fast heartExplanation
Tachycardia refers to a condition characterized by a fast heart rate. It is a medical term used to describe a heart rate that exceeds the normal range, typically over 100 beats per minute. This can be caused by various factors such as stress, anxiety, physical exertion, or underlying medical conditions. Tachycardia can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health issue and may require medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What does the suffix itis mean?
- A.
Killing
- B.
Pink eye
- C.
Inflammation
Correct Answer
C. InflammationExplanation
The suffix "-itis" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation. This means that when a word ends with "-itis," it refers to a condition or disease characterized by inflammation. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, causing redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Therefore, the correct answer is "Inflammation."Rate this question:
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- 5.
You are to prepare five 60 g jars of ointment using the following formula. How much of each ingredient will you need to create the total amount? Coal tar 4 g Salicyclic Acid 1 g Triamcinolone 1% ung 15 g Aqua-base ointment 100 g
- A.
2g, 0.5g, 7.5g, 50g
- B.
10g, 2.5g, 37.5g, 250g
- C.
5g, 3g, 40g, 300g
Correct Answer
B. 10g, 2.5g, 37.5g, 250gExplanation
To prepare five 60 g jars of ointment, you will need 10 g of Coal tar, 2.5 g of Salicyclic Acid, 37.5 g of Triamcinolone 1% ung, and 250 g of Aqua-base ointment.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The meniscus should be read at...
- A.
Above water point
- B.
Eye level
- C.
Under water point
Correct Answer
B. Eye levelExplanation
The meniscus should be read at eye level because this ensures accurate measurement. Reading the meniscus from above or below eye level can introduce parallax error, where the angle of viewing affects the perceived position of the meniscus. By reading at eye level, the observer is able to align their line of sight with the meniscus, minimizing any potential error in measurement.Rate this question:
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- 7.
HEPA stands for ________ and traps particles larger than _____
- A.
High-efficiency particulate air filter, 0.2 microns
- B.
High-environmental particulate air filter, 0.2 microns
- C.
Horizantal-efficiency paticulate air filter, 2 microns
Correct Answer
A. High-efficiency particulate air filter, 0.2 micronsExplanation
HEPA stands for High-efficiency particulate air filter. It is a type of air filter that is designed to trap particles larger than 0.2 microns in size. These filters are highly effective at removing allergens, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles from the air, making them an ideal choice for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. The correct answer accurately identifies the acronym and the particle size that HEPA filters are capable of trapping.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The Horizantal flow hood should be turned on _____ minutes before using
- A.
60 minutes
- B.
10 minutes
- C.
30 minutes
Correct Answer
C. 30 minutesExplanation
The horizontal flow hood should be turned on 30 minutes before using it because this allows sufficient time for the hood to reach its optimal operating conditions. Turning it on earlier ensures that the air inside the hood is properly filtered and circulated, creating a clean and sterile environment for the intended use. Waiting for 30 minutes also allows any potential contaminants or particles in the air to settle down, reducing the risk of contamination during the procedure.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What does half-life mean?
- A.
The measurement of the time it takes the body to absorb one half of the drug
- B.
The measurement of the time it takes the body to break down & excrete one half of the drug
- C.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. The measurement of the time it takes the body to break down & excrete one half of the drugExplanation
Half-life refers to the measurement of the time it takes for the body to break down and eliminate one half of a drug. It is a pharmacokinetic parameter that helps determine the duration of action and dosing intervals for medications.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Why are perservatives often added in medications?
- A.
Increase their shell life
- B.
Decrease the possibility of contamination
- C.
To meet FDA standards
Correct Answer
A. Increase their shell lifeExplanation
Preservatives are often added in medications to increase their shelf life. This is because medications can degrade over time, leading to a loss of potency and effectiveness. By adding preservatives, the medications can remain stable and maintain their desired therapeutic effects for a longer period. This is especially important for medications that have a longer shelf life or are stored for extended periods before being used. By preventing degradation, the preservatives help ensure that the medications retain their quality and efficacy until they are consumed by patients.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which method is used by the pharmacy tech when preparing capsules by hand?
- A.
The tray method
- B.
The capsule method
- C.
The punch method
Correct Answer
C. The punch methodExplanation
The punch method is used by the pharmacy tech when preparing capsules by hand. This method involves using a special tool called a capsule punch to accurately measure and fill the capsules with the required medication. The punch method ensures precision and consistency in the dosage of medication in each capsule, making it a reliable technique for compounding capsules manually.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Order: 1500ml of 20 meq KCL for 12 hours. The tubing size is 20 gtt/ml, how many gtts/min will be delivered?
- A.
43 gtts/min
- B.
41.66 gtts/min
- C.
43.66 gtts/min
Correct Answer
B. 41.66 gtts/minExplanation
The correct answer is 41.66 gtts/min. To calculate the number of gtts/min, we need to use the formula: gtts/min = (volume to be infused x tubing size) / time in minutes. In this case, the volume to be infused is 1500 ml, the tubing size is 20 gtt/ml, and the time is 12 hours. We need to convert the time to minutes, so 12 hours = 12 x 60 = 720 minutes. Plugging these values into the formula, we get: gtts/min = (1500 ml x 20 gtt/ml) / 720 min = 30000 / 720 = 41.66 gtts/min.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Horizantal hood should be cleaned with...
- A.
70% isopropyl alcohol
- B.
50% isopropyl alcohol
- C.
80% isopropyl alcohol
Correct Answer
A. 70% isopropyl alcoholExplanation
The correct answer is 70% isopropyl alcohol because it is an effective cleaning agent that can remove grease, oil, and other contaminants from the surface of the horizontal hood. Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for cleaning purposes as it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue. Additionally, a concentration of 70% isopropyl alcohol is considered to be the most effective for disinfection and sanitization purposes.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What does HIPAA mean?
- A.
Ensure drug safety
- B.
Ensure the privacy of patients
- C.
Ensure counsel by pharmacy technicians
Correct Answer
B. Ensure the privacy of patientsExplanation
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It is a federal law in the United States that aims to protect the privacy and security of patients' health information. The law sets standards for the electronic exchange, privacy, and security of health information, ensuring that patients have control over their personal health information and that it is kept confidential. The goal of HIPAA is to safeguard patient privacy and prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of their sensitive medical information.Rate this question:
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- 15.
150 mg of drug A is ordered to take for 7 days but the pharmacy only has 125mg/5ml in stock. How many ml's should we give to the patient?
- A.
6 ml
- B.
42 ml
- C.
43 ml
Correct Answer
B. 42 mlExplanation
To find the number of milliliters to give to the patient, we need to calculate the total amount of drug A needed for 7 days. Since the dosage is 150 mg per day, the total amount needed is 150 mg/day * 7 days = 1050 mg. Since the pharmacy only has 125 mg/5 ml, we can calculate the number of milliliters needed by dividing the total amount needed by the concentration of the drug: 1050 mg / 125 mg/5 ml = 42 ml. Therefore, the correct answer is 42 ml.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which number equals to XVIII?
- A.
18
- B.
118
- C.
8
Correct Answer
A. 18Explanation
The number XVIII is a Roman numeral representation of 18. In Roman numerals, "X" represents 10 and "V" represents 5. When "V" is placed before "X", it means subtract 5 from 10, which equals 5. When "I" is placed after "X", it means add 1 to 10, which equals 11. Therefore, XVIII represents 10 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 18.Rate this question:
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- 17.
D5W means....
- A.
5% of drug to be weighted
- B.
5% of drug in water
- C.
5% dextrose in water
Correct Answer
C. 5% dextrose in waterExplanation
D5W stands for 5% dextrose in water. This means that the solution consists of 5% dextrose (a type of sugar) dissolved in water. This solution is commonly used in medical settings to provide hydration and a source of energy to patients.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The generic drug for Vicodin is?
- A.
Hydrocodone
- B.
Hydrocodone/APAP
- C.
Oxycodone
Correct Answer
B. Hydrocodone/APAPExplanation
Hydrocodone/APAP is the generic drug for Vicodin. Vicodin is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone, which is an opioid pain reliever, and acetaminophen (APAP), which is a non-opioid pain reliever. Therefore, Hydrocodone/APAP is the correct answer as it accurately represents the generic formulation of Vicodin.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which drug is used to treat type 2 diabetes?
- A.
Cozaar
- B.
Norvasc
- C.
Glucotrol
Correct Answer
C. GlucotrolExplanation
Glucotrol is the correct answer because it is a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called sulfonylureas, which work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin and helping the body use insulin more effectively. By lowering blood sugar levels, Glucotrol helps to control diabetes and its associated symptoms. Cozaar and Norvasc, on the other hand, are medications used to treat high blood pressure and are not typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Calculate day supply: II tabs po tid prn #30
- A.
5 days
- B.
7 days
- C.
30 days
Correct Answer
A. 5 daysExplanation
The given prescription states "II tabs po tid prn #30", which means the patient is instructed to take 2 tablets by mouth three times a day as needed, with a total of 30 tablets. To calculate the day supply, we divide the total number of tablets (30) by the number of tablets taken per day (2x3=6). This gives us a day supply of 5 days.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Jan 30, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
May 29, 2011Quiz Created by
Mary Kagchelland
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