ExCPT Prescription Dispensing Process Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient presents a new prescription for a controlled substance. Which of the following is a critical first step for the pharmacy technician in the dispensing process?

Accepted Answer

Confirming the validity of the prescriber's DEA number.

Answer

Before dispensing a controlled substance, it is crucial to verify that the prescriber has a valid DEA number, which authorizes them to prescribe controlled substances. This is a key step in preventing prescription fraud and ensuring compliance with federal law.

Question 2

When preparing a prescription label, which of the following pieces of information is NOT federally required to be included?

Accepted Answer

The patient's date of birth.

Answer

While many pharmacy systems include the patient's date of birth on the label as a second identifier for safety, federal law does not mandate its presence on the prescription label. Essential required elements include the patient's name, pharmacy details, prescription number, date of filling, prescriber's name, and directions for use.

Question 3

A pharmacist has completed the final check of a prescription filled by a technician. What is the next appropriate step in the dispensing process before handing the medication to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Asking the patient if they have any questions for the pharmacist.

Answer

It is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions and a standard of practice for the pharmacy staff (often initiated by the technician) to offer patient counseling from the pharmacist with every new prescription. This ensures the patient understands how to take their medication safely and effectively.

Question 4

A prescription for an oral medication is presented for a 3-year-old child. According to the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) of 1970, how must this prescription be dispensed?

Accepted Answer

In a container with child-resistant packaging.

Answer

The Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) mandates that most oral prescription drugs be dispensed in child-resistant packaging to protect children under five from accidental poisoning. A patient or prescriber can request non-child-resistant packaging, but it is not the default for pediatric patients.

Question 5

During the prescription filling process, the pharmacy technician compares the National Drug Code (NDC) on the printed label to the NDC on the manufacturer's bottle. What is the primary purpose of this check?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the correct medication, strength, and dosage form are selected.

Answer

The NDC number is a unique, three-segment number that identifies the manufacturer, the specific drug product (including strength and dosage form), and the package size. Matching the NDC is a critical safety check to prevent medication errors by ensuring the correct product is being dispensed.

ExCPT Practice Test Practice Test

ExCPT Practice Test Practice Test

ExCPT Prescription Dispensing Process Questions and Answers