CVS Assessment MCQ 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A customer is picking up a new prescription for metformin and mentions they have an upcoming CT scan with contrast dye. What should the pharmacy team do?
- Dispense without comment — the scan is unrelated
- Alert the pharmacist, as metformin may need to be held before contrast procedures (Correct answer)
- Recommend the patient skip their next metformin dose only
- Advise the patient to speak with radiology after the scan
Correct answer: Alert the pharmacist, as metformin may need to be held before contrast procedures
Metformin can interact with iodinated contrast media, potentially causing lactic acidosis; pharmacists should alert the patient and coordinate with their provider.
Question 2: In a CVS pharmacy, who is responsible for ensuring proper disposal of returned or expired medications?
- The store manager alone
- The pharmacist-in-charge, following DEA and state regulations (Correct answer)
- Any available store associate
- The district manager during quarterly audits
Correct answer: The pharmacist-in-charge, following DEA and state regulations
The pharmacist-in-charge bears legal responsibility for medication disposal compliance with DEA regulations and applicable state laws.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a 'therapeutic substitution' versus a 'generic substitution'?
- Dispensing Zocor instead of Lipitor (both statins) — therapeutic substitution (Correct answer)
- Dispensing atorvastatin instead of Lipitor — generic substitution
- Dispensing metoprolol instead of atorvastatin — generic substitution
- Both A and B are generic substitutions
Correct answer: Dispensing Zocor instead of Lipitor (both statins) — therapeutic substitution
Therapeutic substitution replaces a drug with a chemically different drug in the same class; generic substitution replaces a brand with its bioequivalent generic.
Question 4: When handling a fraudulent prescription, what is the FIRST thing a pharmacy associate should do?
- Refuse loudly and confront the customer
- Calmly tell the customer there will be a delay and immediately notify the pharmacist (Correct answer)
- Call 911 immediately without informing the pharmacist
- Dispense the prescription and report it afterward
Correct answer: Calmly tell the customer there will be a delay and immediately notify the pharmacist
Safety first: stall without confrontation and discreetly alert the pharmacist, who will handle next steps including contacting authorities if appropriate.
Question 5: A prescription shows 'NR' in the refills field. What does this mean for the patient?
- Not reviewed — needs pharmacist check
- No refills authorized — patient must get a new prescription (Correct answer)
- Next refill is due in 30 days
- Non-restricted controlled substance
Correct answer: No refills authorized — patient must get a new prescription
NR stands for 'No Refills,' meaning the prescriber has not authorized any refills and the patient must obtain a new prescription.
Question 6: Which federal act governs the regulation of prescription and OTC drugs to ensure safety and efficacy in the US?
- The Harrison Narcotic Act
- The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (Correct answer)
- The Controlled Substances Act (CSA)
- The Prescription Drug Marketing Act (PDMA)
Correct answer: The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)
The FD&C Act is the primary federal law giving the FDA authority to regulate the safety, effectiveness, and labeling of drugs.
Question 7: A patient asks about using GoodRx at CVS pharmacy. Which statement is MOST accurate?
- CVS does not accept any third-party discount cards
- GoodRx can sometimes offer lower prices than insurance copays and CVS accepts it (Correct answer)
- GoodRx can be combined with insurance to lower the cost further
- GoodRx is only accepted at independent pharmacies, not CVS
Correct answer: GoodRx can sometimes offer lower prices than insurance copays and CVS accepts it
CVS accepts GoodRx and similar discount cards, which can sometimes result in a lower out-of-pocket cost than the patient's insurance copay.
CVS Assessment MCQ 5
A customer is picking up a new prescription for metformin and mentions they have an upcoming CT scan with contrast dye.
What should the pharmacy team do?