CPhT CPhT Sterile Preparations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct method to clean a laminar airflow hood before use?
- Use soap and water, wipe in circular motions
- Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol using side-to-side motions from back to front (Correct answer)
- Spray with bleach and let air dry
- Wipe with sterile water only
Correct answer: Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol using side-to-side motions from back to front
The LAFW should be wiped with 70% isopropyl alcohol using overlapping side-to-side strokes working from back to front to push contaminants out of the hood.
Question 2: What is an IV piggyback (IVPB)?
- A large-volume IV bag used for fluid replacement
- A small-volume IV bag containing medication given through a secondary IV line (Correct answer)
- A syringe pump used for continuous infusion
- A direct IV push medication
Correct answer: A small-volume IV bag containing medication given through a secondary IV line
An IV piggyback (IVPB) is a small-volume parenteral solution (50–250 mL) containing medication that is infused through a secondary IV line.
Question 3: What is the correct needle angle when drawing medication from a vial?
- 90 degrees, bevel down
- 45 degrees, bevel up (Correct answer)
- Any angle as long as the cap is removed
- The bevel angle does not matter for vials
Correct answer: 45 degrees, bevel up
When drawing from a vial, the needle should be inserted at a 45-degree angle with the bevel up to reduce coring and maintain the integrity of the rubber stopper.
Question 4: What PPE is required for sterile compounding?
- Only gloves
- Gown, gloves, hair cover, face mask, and shoe covers (Correct answer)
- Lab coat and safety glasses only
- Gloves and a surgical mask
Correct answer: Gown, gloves, hair cover, face mask, and shoe covers
Sterile compounding requires full PPE including a gown, sterile gloves, hair and beard covers, face mask, and shoe covers to maintain the clean room environment.
Question 5: What is a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution?
- An oral supplement for malnourished patients
- A sterile IV mixture providing complete nutrition including proteins, lipids, dextrose, vitamins, and electrolytes (Correct answer)
- A tube feeding formula
- An IV antibiotic combination
Correct answer: A sterile IV mixture providing complete nutrition including proteins, lipids, dextrose, vitamins, and electrolytes
TPN is a sterile IV admixture that provides complete nutritional support for patients who cannot eat, including amino acids, dextrose, lipids, electrolytes, and vitamins.
Question 6: Why is air pressure kept positive in clean rooms and negative in hazardous drug areas?
- Positive pressure keeps out contaminants; negative pressure contains hazardous particles inside (Correct answer)
- Positive pressure is required for temperature control; negative pressure improves airflow
- Both positive and negative pressure serve the same purpose
- Pressure does not affect contamination risk
Correct answer: Positive pressure keeps out contaminants; negative pressure contains hazardous particles inside
Positive air pressure in clean rooms prevents outside contaminants from entering, while negative pressure in hazardous drug areas prevents dangerous particles from escaping.
CPhT CPhT Sterile Preparations 2
What is the correct method to clean a laminar airflow hood before use?