Hazardous Drug Compounding Flashcards

Which statement correctly describes the difference between decontamination and deactivation of hazardous drugs?

Answer: Deactivation chemically neutralizes the drug; decontamination physically removes residue

Deactivation uses agents (e.g., oxidizing agents) to chemically neutralize hazardous drugs, while decontamination involves physically removing the residue from surfaces.

A compounder working with an NIOSH Group 1 hazardous drug must wear chemotherapy gloves. How often should these gloves be changed during an extended compounding session?

Answer: Every 30 minutes or per manufacturer's permeation data, whichever is shorter

Chemotherapy gloves should be changed at intervals not exceeding manufacturer permeation data (often 30 minutes) to ensure continued protection against hazardous drug penetration.

USP requires that personnel who routinely handle hazardous drugs undergo medical surveillance. Which of the following is a primary goal of this surveillance?

Answer: Detect early signs of occupational exposure or adverse health effects

Medical surveillance aims to identify early health effects from occupational hazardous drug exposure, allowing intervention before serious harm occurs.

When using a closed-system drug transfer device (CSTD) during HD compounding, what is the primary safety benefit?

Answer: Prevents the escape of hazardous drug vapors and aerosols during transfer

CSTDs mechanically prohibit the transfer of environmental contaminants and prevent the escape of hazardous drug vapors or aerosols during preparation and administration.

Which waste container is appropriate for disposal of materials contaminated with trace amounts of hazardous drugs (e.g., used vials, tubing)?

Answer: Yellow chemotherapy waste container labeled 'Hazardous Drug Waste'

Yellow chemotherapy (RCRA hazardous) waste containers are specifically designated for trace-contaminated HD materials and must be segregated from standard medical waste.

A pharmacy is compounding a hazardous drug that poses a reproductive risk but is NOT antineoplastic. According to USP , which personnel may request exemption from handling this drug?

Answer: Personnel who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or actively trying to conceive

USP allows personnel who are pregnant, actively breastfeeding, or actively trying to conceive to request alternative duty and avoid handling reproductive-risk hazardous drugs.

What is the correct order of steps when doffing (removing) PPE after hazardous drug compounding?

Answer: Shoe covers → outer gloves → gown → inner gloves → head cover → mask → hand wash

The correct doffing sequence removes the most contaminated outer items first (shoe covers, outer gloves, gown) before removing inner gloves, head cover, and mask to minimize self-contamination.