PTCE Order Interpretation and Medication Preparation 5

Question 1

A prescription reads 'Insulin glargine 20 units SC QHS.' When should this medication be administered?

Accepted Answer

At bedtime

Answer

Every morning before breakfast

Answer

Twice daily with meals

Answer

Every 12 hours

Question 2

A physician writes 'Lisinopril 10 mg — i tab PO QD, titrate to BP <130/80.' The word 'titrate' on this order means:

Accepted Answer

Adjust the dose based on patient response

Answer

Dispense as written with no changes

Answer

Give the medication intravenously

Answer

Split the dose into multiple administrations

Question 3

A compounding prescription requires 1:200 coal tar solution — prepare 240 mL. How many mL of pure coal tar are needed?

Accepted Answer

1.2 mL

Answer

0.5 mL

Answer

2.4 mL

Answer

12 mL

Question 4

A medication order reads 'NS 0.9% 500 mL bolus STAT.' What does 'STAT' indicate?

Accepted Answer

Give immediately

Answer

Give at the next scheduled time

Answer

Give over 24 hours

Answer

Give only if necessary

Question 5

A prescription reads 'Metoprolol succinate 100 mg ER — do not crush.' Why is this instruction critical?

Accepted Answer

Crushing destroys the extended-release mechanism, releasing the full dose at once

Answer

Crushing causes the drug to become inactive

Answer

Crushing makes the drug taste bitter

Answer

Crushing changes the drug's color

Question 6

When interpreting a prescription, the technician sees 'Sig: i-ii caps PO q4-6h PRN.' The maximum daily dose if patient takes 2 capsules every 4 hours is:

Accepted Answer

12 capsules/day

Answer

6 capsules/day

Answer

8 capsules/day

Answer

10 capsules/day

Question 7

A hospital order reads 'Potassium Chloride 40 mEq PO QD — give in divided doses.' What is the most likely reason for divided dosing?

Accepted Answer

To reduce GI irritation associated with large KCl doses

Answer

To improve medication stability

Answer

To meet insurance reimbursement requirements

Answer

To make the dose easier to calculate