CAOP Sterile Products and Aseptic Technique 3

Question 1

Which USP chapter specifically addresses handling of hazardous drugs in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

USP <800>

Answer

USP <800> provides standards for safe handling, storage, preparation, and disposal of hazardous drugs to protect healthcare workers and the environment.

Question 2

What is the correct technique for withdrawing medication from a rubber-stoppered vial to maintain asepsis?

Accepted Answer

Wipe the stopper with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab and allow it to dry before needle insertion

Answer

Wiping the stopper with 70% IPA and allowing it to dry before needle penetration removes surface contaminants and allows the alcohol to exert its antimicrobial effect.

Question 3

A pharmacist is compounding an epidural solution. Which ingredient must be AVOIDED?

Accepted Answer

Preservative-containing formulations

Answer

Preservatives such as benzyl alcohol and parabens are neurotoxic and must not be used in epidural or intrathecal preparations.

Question 4

The 'first air' principle in aseptic compounding means:

Accepted Answer

The first batch of air from the HEPA filter is the cleanest and must not be blocked between the filter and the critical site

Answer

First air is the uninterrupted airflow directly from the HEPA filter; nothing should obstruct this path to the critical site where sterile connections are made.

Question 5

What is the recommended frequency for disinfecting the interior surfaces of a laminar airflow workbench during a compounding session?

Accepted Answer

Every 30 minutes during continuous compounding and after any contamination event

Answer

USP <797> requires the DCA surfaces to be disinfected at the start of each compounding session, at least every 30 minutes, and after any spill or contamination.

CAOP - Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacist Practice Test

CAOP - Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacist Practice Test

CAOP Sterile Products and Aseptic Technique 3