Order Interpretation and Medication Preparation Flashcards

A prescription reads 'Ciprofloxacin 500 mg — i tab PO BID × 14d.' The dispensed quantity should be:

Answer: 28 tablets

BID (twice daily) × 14 days = 2 × 14 = 28 tablets.

Which auxiliary label is most appropriate for a prescription of Tetracycline?

Answer: Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight

Tetracycline causes photosensitivity, so patients should be warned to avoid prolonged sun exposure.

A compounding order calls for a 2.5% hydrocortisone cream — 60 g. The pharmacy has 10% hydrocortisone cream in stock. How many grams of the 10% cream are needed?

Answer: 15 g

Using C1V1=C2V2: 10% × X = 2.5% × 60 g; X = (2.5 × 60) / 10 = 15 g.

An order reads 'D5W 1000 mL to infuse over 8 hours via gravity drip set (15 gtt/mL).' What is the correct drip rate in gtt/min?

Answer: 31 gtt/min

Rate = (1000 mL × 15 gtt/mL) / (8 hr × 60 min/hr) = 15000 / 480 = 31.25 ≈ 31 gtt/min.

A prescription for Warfarin reads 'alternating doses: 5 mg Monday/Wednesday/Friday and 2.5 mg all other days.' How many 2.5 mg tablets are needed for a 28-day supply?

Answer: 40 tablets

In 28 days: 12 days at 5 mg (2 tabs each) = 24 tabs + 16 days at 2.5 mg (1 tab each) = 16 tabs; total = 40 tablets of 2.5 mg.

A pharmacy technician notices the prescription reads 'Zyrtec 10 mg QD' but the patient states they are allergic to cetirizine. What is the correct action?

Answer: Alert the pharmacist immediately before dispensing

Technicians must alert the pharmacist immediately when a patient allergy conflict is identified; the pharmacist makes all clinical decisions.

A 'tall man lettering' strategy (e.g., hydrOXYzine vs. hydrALAzine) is used on drug labels primarily to:

Answer: Distinguish look-alike/sound-alike drug names

Tall man lettering differentiates look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) drug names to reduce medication errors.