CSPT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which type of IV admixture preparation error involves adding the correct drug in the correct amount but to the WRONG patient's bag? → Wrong patient error
2. You are making a preparation requiring 0.8% benzalkonium chloride. How many mg are needed for 50 mL? → 400 mg
3. A pharmacist accidentally omits the administration route from a CSP label for an IV preparation. What is the most significant patient safety risk? → The medication could be administered via the wrong route, causing serious harm
4. An order requires tobramycin 5 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours for a 60 kg patient. What is the dose per administration? → 100 mg
5. Which of the following is a sign of lipid emulsion incompatibility sometimes called 'oiling out' that is different from cracking? → Coalescence of fat droplets forming large visible globules while still emulsified
6. Under USP , what is the maximum beyond-use date (BUD) for a Category 2 CSP stored at controlled room temperature when no stability data is available? → 14 days
7. Which USP chapter governs sterility testing used to support extended beyond-use dates for Category 2 CSPs? →
8. What is the role of a primary engineering control (PEC) in a sterile compounding facility? → To provide a controlled environment for the compounding of sterile preparations
9. A 500 mL bag of 0.9% sodium chloride is ordered to infuse over 4 hours using a 15 gtt/mL administration set. What is the required flow rate in drops per minute? → 31 gtt/min
10. A 70-kg patient requires dopamine at 5 mcg/kg/min. The concentration is 400 mg in 250 mL D5W. What is the infusion rate? → 13.1 mL/hr
11. When transporting CSPs, what conditions must be maintained? → Appropriate temperature, light protection if required, and prevention of physical damage
12. What type of PPE is specifically required when handling hazardous drugs that is NOT required for standard sterile compounding? → Chemotherapy-tested gloves
13. In the context of USP , what is 'sterility testing' primarily designed to detect? → Viable microbial contamination in the final CSP
14. What is the significance of assigning beyond-use dates (BUDs) in quality assurance? → To determine how long a CSP remains stable and safe for use
15. What are the standard parameters for terminal sterilization of a preparation by moist heat (autoclave)? → 121°C for a minimum of 15 minutes at 15 psi
16. During sterile hazardous drug compounding, how often must a technician's chemotherapy gloves be changed? → Every 30 minutes or per the manufacturer's recommendations.
17. What is the primary purpose of environmental monitoring in a sterile compounding facility? → To detect microbial contamination in the compounding environment
18. Upon receiving a new stock of medication vials, what is the FIRST step a technician should perform as part of the component handling process? → Visually inspect each vial for particulate matter, cracks, or defects.
19. How frequently must personnel complete media-fill testing to maintain competency? → At least annually or more frequently per facility policy
20. What action level triggers an investigation for viable air sampling in an ISO Class 5 PEC? → Greater than 1 CFU
21. A stock solution contains 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL are needed to provide a 75 mg dose? → 1.5 mL
22. Which regulatory body primarily governs the disposal of hazardous pharmaceutical waste (including chemotherapy drugs) in the United States? → The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under RCRA
23. Glove fingertip sampling (fingertip testing) is performed to: → Verify that personnel gloving and gowning technique does not introduce contamination
24. Which of the following electrolytes must be separated from calcium in TPN admixtures to avoid precipitation? → Phosphate
25. What is the primary purpose of the 'no-touch' technique in aseptic compounding? → To prevent direct contact with critical sites such as needles, vial stoppers, and ports
26. Which USP chapter establishes standards specifically for hazardous drug handling in healthcare settings? → USP
27. According to USP , what is the BUD for a Category 1 CSP stored at controlled room temperature when prepared in a non-ISO-classified environment? → 12 hours
28. What should a technician do if they notice particulate matter in a commercially manufactured IV solution? → Do not use it; quarantine and report to the pharmacist for investigation
29. What is the maximum recommended final concentration of dextrose in a peripherally administered IV admixture? → 12.5%
30. Which regulatory body requires that CSP labels include a statement indicating the preparation is a compounded preparation and not FDA-approved? → State Board of Pharmacy