Equipment Operation & Maintenance Flashcards

In an opioid treatment program (OTP), a methadone dispensing machine experiences a power failure mid-dose. What is the correct immediate action?

Answer: Hold all patient dosing until full power is restored to the machine

When a dispensing machine fails mid-operation, patient dosing should be held and the incident documented; resuming with an unvalidated partial dose risks inaccurate delivery.

Buprenorphine sublingual film (Suboxone) strips must be stored at room temperature (68–77°F / 20–25°C). What storage condition poses the greatest risk of product degradation?

Answer: Storing near a sink where humidity and temperature fluctuations are common

High humidity and temperature fluctuation, such as near a sink, can degrade buprenorphine film and compromise dose integrity.

When calibrating a methadone oral dispensing pump in an OTP, a technician finds the pump delivers 1.2 mL instead of the set 1.0 mL. What is the appropriate response?

Answer: Take the pump out of service, document the finding, and arrange for recalibration or replacement

A 20% volumetric error is clinically significant for a narrow-therapeutic-index drug like methadone; the pump must be removed from service until properly recalibrated.

DEA regulations require that Schedule II controlled substances (including methadone) dispensed at an OTP be stored in which type of secured container?

Answer: A DEA-compliant safe or steel cabinet that is bolted to the floor or wall

DEA regulations (21 CFR 1301.75) require Schedule II substances to be stored in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet bolted to prevent removal.

A pharmacy dispensing naltrexone extended-release injectable (Vivitrol) receives a shipment that has been maintained at 45°F (7°C) during transit. What should the pharmacist do?

Answer: Return or quarantine the shipment, as Vivitrol must be refrigerated between 36–46°F and transit conditions must be documented

Vivitrol must be stored refrigerated (36–46°F); any temperature excursion requires documentation and manufacturer consultation before dispensing.

When a clinic dispenses take-home methadone doses in individual bottles, which labeling element is required by federal OTP regulations?

Answer: The patient's name, the dispensing date, and the dose amount

Federal OTP regulations (42 CFR Part 8) require take-home bottles to be labeled with the patient's name, dispensing date, and dose to prevent misuse or diversion.

Which of the following maintenance tasks is most critical for ensuring accurate operation of an automated pill counter used in a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) clinic?

Answer: Cleaning the counting tray and photoelectric sensor after each use to remove powder residue

Residue from tablets can coat the photoelectric sensor, causing miscounts; cleaning after each use is essential for accurate medication dispensing.