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

QHS means 'hora somni,' or at bedtime/hour of sleep.

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

Titrate means to adjust the dose incrementally based on the patient's clinical response to reach a therapeutic goal.

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

1:200 means 1 mL per 200 mL; for 240 mL: 240 ÷ 200 = 1.2 mL of coal tar.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Give immediately

Answer

STAT (from Latin 'statim') means immediately, indicating the medication should be given right away.

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 an extended-release tablet destroys the controlled delivery system, causing dose-dumping and potential toxicity.

(PTCE) Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Practice Test