CFPN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFPN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. If a forensic pharmacy nurse is asked during testimony to review a document she did not prepare, what should she do first? → Take time to review the document carefully before answering
2. What is the appropriate response if an attorney objects during a forensic nurse's testimony before she completes her answer? → Stop speaking immediately and wait for the judge's ruling
3. Which body should a hospital notify when a healthcare professional is confirmed to have diverted controlled substances? → State Board of Pharmacy, State Board of Nursing, and the DEA
4. Under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA) of 2005, pseudoephedrine purchases are limited to a maximum of: → 3.6 grams per day and 9 grams per 30-day period
5. What is the most professionally appropriate way for a forensic pharmacy nurse to respond to a question she does not know the answer to during testimony? → State 'I don't know' or 'I don't recall' clearly and honestly
6. Which specimen provides the longest detection window for most drugs of abuse in forensic testing? → Hair
7. Under the Controlled Substances Act, Schedule II drugs are characterized by which of the following? → High abuse potential with accepted medical use and severe dependence risk
8. A forensic pharmacy nurse must testify about evidence she collected six months ago. What is the most reliable source of accurate recall? → Original documentation and evidence logs created at time of collection
9. Which information must be documented when a witness observes a forensic evidence collection? → Witness name, role, and signature
10. Which of the following sutures is not biodegradable? → Mersilene (polyester).
11. Under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), which key requirement helps prevent counterfeit medications from entering the pharmaceutical supply chain? → Track-and-trace serialization of prescription drug products
12. Which law established the modern comprehensive federal drug scheduling system still in use today? → Controlled Substances Act of 1970
13. What is the primary metabolite of cocaine that is detected in forensic urine drug screens? → Benzoylecgonine
14. The Controlled Substances Act classifies drugs into schedules based primarily on what criteria? → Medical use, abuse potential, and safety under medical supervision
15. In a criminal trial, to what standard of proof must the prosecution prove guilt? → Beyond a reasonable doubt
16. When a forensic pharmacy nurse provides testimony that ultimately helps the defense exonerate a defendant, this reflects which professional obligation? → Commitment to truth and scientific objectivity over advocacy for any party
17. What is a case of a never event? → a surgery performed on the wrong body part.
18. Which federal agency is primarily responsible for investigating pharmaceutical drug diversion by healthcare professionals? → Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
19. Which act created the waiver system allowing qualified physicians to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment in office-based settings? → Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000
20. When conducting a forensic review of a medication error, which medical record component provides the clearest timeline of medication administration? → Medication Administration Record (MAR)
21. A forensic pharmacy nurse collects hair samples for drug testing. What is the standard length required to capture approximately 90 days of drug history? → 1.5 inches (3.9 cm)
22. Which of the following is NOT the main reason for a "time out" just before a surgical procedure starts? → give the staff a break before beginning the surgery.
23. When is it appropriate for a forensic pharmacy nurse to release evidence directly to a patient's family member? → Never without proper legal authorization
24. Which agency requires hospitals to report sentinel events including serious medication errors? → The Joint Commission (TJC)
25. When cross-examined, a forensic pharmacy nurse is asked a question outside her scope of expertise. What is the most appropriate response? → State clearly that the question is outside her area of expertise
26. Which condition would cause a forensic urine specimen to be rejected at the laboratory? → Temperature outside the 90–100°F range at collection
27. What is a 'near miss' in medication safety terminology? → An error that was caught and corrected before reaching the patient
28. Which medication safety concept does the phrase 'design for failure' reflect in healthcare system engineering? → Building systems that make errors difficult to commit and easy to catch
29. A forensic pharmacy nurse receives a subpoena to testify. What is the first appropriate action? → Notify the legal department or risk management and retain an attorney if needed
30. What is the correct action when a forensic pharmacy nurse is asked to collect evidence but lacks proper supplies? → Delay collection until proper supplies are obtained