PTCE Sterile Preparations Flashcards

What is the purpose of a biological safety cabinet (BSC) in pharmacy compounding?

Answer: To protect the operator and environment from hazardous drug exposure during compounding

A BSC uses vertical HEPA-filtered airflow to contain aerosols and protect the technician and cleanroom environment when compounding hazardous drugs like chemotherapy.

What does HEPA stand for in the context of cleanroom filtration?

Answer: High-Efficiency Particulate Air

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles ≥0.3 microns, maintaining the sterile air quality required in compounding areas.

What is total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?

Answer: A sterile IV admixture providing complete nutrition to patients who cannot eat orally

TPN is a complex sterile IV admixture containing dextrose, amino acids, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements for patients with non-functional GI tracts.

What is an IV admixture?

Answer: A sterile preparation made by adding one or more medications or nutrients to a base IV solution

An admixture is created when a pharmacy technician aseptically adds drugs (e.g., antibiotics, electrolytes) to a base IV fluid such as normal saline or dextrose.

What is the correct needle angle when withdrawing medication from a vial?

Answer: 45 to 90 degrees with bevel up

Inserting the needle at 45–90 degrees with the bevel up allows smooth entry through the vial stopper and minimizes coring, which could introduce rubber particles into the solution.

Why is air injected into a vial before withdrawing medication?

Answer: To create positive pressure that helps draw the liquid into the syringe

Injecting a volume of air equal to the desired withdrawal volume creates positive pressure inside the vial, making it easier to draw out the liquid without pulling in air bubbles.