FREE Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Controlled Substance Prescribing Questions and Answers

Question 1

A pharmacist receives an electronic prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance.
Which of the following elements is NOT required to be digitally signed or verified by the prescriber according to federal regulations for electronic prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS)?

Accepted Answer

Patient's date of birth

Answer

Prescriber's DEA registration number

Answer

Drug name and strength

Answer

Quantity to be dispensed

Question 2

A patient presents a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance. The pharmacist notices that the date written on the prescription is more than 6 months ago. According to federal regulations, what is the appropriate action for the pharmacist to take?

Accepted Answer

Contact the prescriber to verify the prescription's validity and current medical need.

Answer

Fill the prescription as written, as federal law does not specify an expiration for C-II prescriptions.

Answer

Refuse to fill the prescription because it is expired.

Answer

Fill a partial quantity and counsel the patient to obtain a new prescription for the remainder.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios would MOST likely be considered a red flag for potential drug diversion or misuse when a pharmacist is reviewing a prescription for a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

A patient from out-of-state presenting multiple prescriptions for different controlled substances from different prescribers.

Answer

A patient presenting a prescription for a C-II pain medication after a recent surgery.

Answer

A patient requesting an early refill for a C-IV sedative, citing upcoming travel plans.

Answer

A patient paying cash for a controlled substance, despite having insurance.

Question 4

Under federal law, what is the maximum number of refills permitted for a prescription for a Schedule III controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

5 refills within 6 months from the date of issue.

Answer

No refills are permitted.

Answer

Unlimited refills within 1 year from the date of issue.

Answer

6 refills within 1 year from the date of issue.

Question 5

A pharmacist receives a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance with 'PRN' (as needed) written in the directions. According to federal regulations and best practices, what is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Contact the prescriber to clarify the specific frequency and maximum daily dose.

Answer

Fill the prescription as written, as PRN is a common direction.

Answer

Refuse to fill the prescription because PRN is not permitted for C-II substances.

Answer

Dispense a 7-day supply and advise the patient to seek clarification from the prescriber.

Question 6

According to federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) regulations, which of the following prescribers is NOT required to have a DEA registration number to prescribe controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

A hospital resident or intern prescribing under the hospital's DEA registration number in the usual course of duties.

Answer

A physician prescribing controlled substances in a private practice.

Answer

A nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority prescribing controlled substances in a clinic.

Answer

A dentist prescribing controlled substances for dental pain.

A pharmacist receives an electronic prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance.Which of the following elements is NOT required to be digitally signed or verified by the prescriber according to federal regulations for electronic prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS)?

A pharmacist receives an electronic prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance.
Which of the following elements is NOT required to be digitally signed or verified by the prescriber according to federal regulations for electronic prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS)?