PTCB Patient Safety & Quality Assurance

Question 1

Which error type occurs when a patient receives a drug intended for a different patient?

Accepted Answer

Wrong patient error

Answer

A wrong patient error is a medication error in which the correct drug is dispensed but to the wrong individual.

Question 2

What does the abbreviation 'ISMP' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Institute for Safe Medication Practices

Answer

ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing medication errors.

Question 3

Which term describes a list of drugs known to cause serious harm if used incorrectly?

Accepted Answer

High-Alert Medications List

Answer

The ISMP High-Alert Medications List identifies drugs that bear a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when misused.

Question 4

What strategy does 'Tall Man Lettering' help prevent?

Accepted Answer

Look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) drug mix-ups

Answer

Tall Man Lettering uses mixed case (e.g., hydrALAZINE vs. hydrOXYzine) to visually differentiate LASA drug names.

Question 5

A black box warning is the FDA's strongest warning about:

Accepted Answer

Serious adverse effects or contraindications

Answer

A black box warning (boxed warning) alerts prescribers to serious or life-threatening risks associated with a medication.

PTCB - Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Test