CPhT Prescription Processing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is required on a valid prescription?
- Patient name, drug name, strength, directions, and prescriber signature (Correct answer)
- Patient name and phone number only
- Drug name and quantity only
- Prescriber's DEA number only
Correct answer: Patient name, drug name, strength, directions, and prescriber signature
A valid prescription must include patient name, drug name and strength, quantity, directions for use, and the prescriber's name and signature.
Question 2: What does 'DAW' stand for on a prescription?
- Drug Administration Warning
- Dispense As Written (Correct answer)
- Do Allow Waiver
- Drug Approval Waiver
Correct answer: Dispense As Written
DAW stands for 'Dispense As Written,' indicating the prescriber wants the brand-name drug dispensed rather than a generic substitute.
Question 3: For Schedule II controlled substances, prescriptions are typically valid for how long after the date written?
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 90 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Schedule II prescriptions are valid for 30 days from the date written in most states due to their high abuse potential and strict DEA regulations.
Question 4: What does the abbreviation 'SIG' refer to on a prescription?
- The prescriber's signature
- A patient safety information guide
- Directions for use (from the Latin 'signa') (Correct answer)
- Strength indication guide
Correct answer: Directions for use (from the Latin 'signa')
'SIG' derives from the Latin 'signa' meaning 'write' or 'label,' and refers to the patient directions that appear on the dispensing label.
Question 5: What does 'PRN' mean on a prescription?
- Per registered nurse
- As needed (Correct answer)
- Prior to next refill
- Per routine notes
Correct answer: As needed
'PRN' comes from the Latin 'pro re nata,' meaning 'as needed' or 'as the situation demands,' indicating the patient takes the medication only when required.
Question 6: What does the NDC number on a prescription label identify?
- The prescriber's national ID number
- The patient's insurance claim number
- A specific drug product including manufacturer, product, and package size (Correct answer)
- The pharmacy's state license number
Correct answer: A specific drug product including manufacturer, product, and package size
The National Drug Code (NDC) is a unique 10–11 digit identifier assigned by the FDA that specifies the drug manufacturer, product, and package size.
Question 7: Which of the following is a key reason pharmacy technicians verify a patient's date of birth when processing a prescription?
- To determine insurance eligibility
- To confirm the correct patient is receiving the medication (Correct answer)
- To calculate the days supply
- To verify the prescriber's license
Correct answer: To confirm the correct patient is receiving the medication
Verifying a patient's date of birth confirms identity and ensures the prescription is being dispensed to the correct individual, preventing medication errors.
CPhT Prescription Processing 1
Which of the following is required on a valid prescription?