Skills and Competencies Flashcards

A technician is preparing a 1 L bag of TPN. The order calls for 250 mEq of sodium chloride. NaCl 23.4% solution contains 4 mEq/mL. How many mL of NaCl 23.4% is needed?

Answer: 62.5 mL

250 mEq ÷ 4 mEq/mL = 62.5 mL of NaCl 23.4% solution.

Which beyond-use date (BUD) applies to a non-sterile compounded preparation stored at room temperature that contains water?

Answer: 14 days

USP specifies that aqueous oral formulations compounded from commercial products have a BUD of 14 days when refrigerated, but shorter at room temperature.

A pharmacy technician accidentally drops a vial of chemotherapy agent on the floor. What is the FIRST step?

Answer: Alert all staff and follow hazardous spill protocol

Hazardous drug spills require immediate activation of the facility's spill protocol to protect staff and patients.

Which auxiliary label should be affixed to a prescription for metronidazole?

Answer: Avoid alcohol while taking this medication

Metronidazole causes a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, making the 'avoid alcohol' label essential.

An NDC number has three segments. What does the second segment represent?

Answer: Product (drug, strength, dosage form)

The second segment of the NDC identifies the specific product, including drug name, strength, and dosage form.

A prescription label must include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Prescriber's DEA number

The DEA number is not required on the dispensing label; it is found on the original prescription for controlled substances.

A patient asks the technician which is cheaper: the brand or generic version of their medication. What is the appropriate response?

Answer: Provide pricing information and direct clinical questions to the pharmacist

Technicians can share pricing information but must defer any clinical recommendations to the pharmacist.