Pharmacy Compounding 3

Question 1

Which USP chapter governs sterile compounding in pharmacies?

Accepted Answer

USP <797>

Answer

USP <797> provides standards for compounding sterile preparations, including cleanroom classification and beyond-use dating.

Question 2

An ISO 5 environment is required for which step during sterile compounding?

Accepted Answer

Critical site manipulation during compounding

Answer

Critical site manipulations (e.g., needle insertion into a vial) must occur in an ISO 5 environment to prevent contamination.

Question 3

Which type of ointment base is most appropriate when the goal is to maximize drug penetration through the skin?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocarbon (oleaginous) base

Answer

Hydrocarbon bases such as petrolatum provide occlusion, which maximizes skin hydration and enhances drug penetration.

Question 4

A prescription requires compounding a suppository. Which base melts at body temperature and is most commonly used for rectal suppositories?

Accepted Answer

Cocoa butter (theobroma oil)

Answer

Cocoa butter melts at 30–36°C (close to body temperature) making it the classic fatty base for rectal suppositories.

Question 5

When compounding a solution, which factor most directly affects the rate of dissolution of a solid drug?

Accepted Answer

Particle size of the drug

Answer

Smaller particle size increases surface area, greatly accelerating the rate of drug dissolution.

Pharmacy Practice Test