CSPT - Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Parenteral Nutrition and IV Admixture Preparation Questions and Answers Flashcards

A TPN order specifies 70 mEq of potassium chloride per liter. The available stock is KCl 2 mEq/mL. How many mL of KCl must be added?

Answer: 35 mL

Using the formula: Volume = Amount ÷ Concentration = 70 mEq ÷ 2 mEq/mL = 35 mL of KCl.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of using a 0.22-micron filter when administering a 2-in-1 TPN (without lipids)?

Answer: To remove particulate matter and bacteria

A 0.22-micron filter removes particulate matter, bacteria, and fungi from 2-in-1 TPN solutions, providing an important final safety check before administration.

When compounding a 3-in-1 TPN admixture, what is the CORRECT order of component addition to minimize the risk of calcium-phosphate precipitation?

Answer: Dextrose → Phosphate → Amino acids → Calcium → Lipids

Adding dextrose first, then phosphate followed by amino acids and calcium last (before lipids) ensures the components are well-diluted before potentially reactive ions meet.

Which type of IV admixture preparation error involves adding the correct drug in the correct amount but to the WRONG patient's bag?

Answer: Wrong patient error

A wrong patient error occurs when a correctly prepared product is assigned or delivered to the wrong patient, often due to insufficient verification during compounding.

For peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN), the maximum final osmolarity recommended to prevent phlebitis is approximately:

Answer: 900 mOsm/L

PPN solutions should generally not exceed 900 mOsm/L to minimize the risk of phlebitis and vein damage from hyperosmolar solutions.

Which of the following is a sign of lipid emulsion incompatibility sometimes called 'oiling out' that is different from cracking?

Answer: Coalescence of fat droplets forming large visible globules while still emulsified

Coalescence refers to fat droplets merging into larger globules (>5 microns) while the emulsion still appears intact, making it dangerous to infuse but harder to detect visually.

A pharmacy technician preparing a batch of IV admixtures notices the laminar airflow workbench (LAFW) certification has expired. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

Answer: Stop compounding and notify the supervising pharmacist immediately

An expired LAFW certification means the hood's integrity cannot be guaranteed; compounding must stop immediately and the pharmacist must be notified per USP requirements.