PTCE Patient Counseling 5

Question 1

A patient presents a prescription for clonazepam and mentions they are also taking another benzodiazepine prescribed by a different doctor. What action should the technician take?

Accepted Answer

Flag the duplication for the pharmacist before dispensing

Answer

Dispense both prescriptions as written without comment

Answer

Tell the patient to stop taking the other benzodiazepine immediately

Answer

Call the second prescriber without informing the pharmacist

Question 2

A patient using an albuterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) asks when they need a refill. What is the best way to determine this?

Accepted Answer

Track doses used since actuations are counted on the dose counter or by number of doses listed on the label

Answer

Float the canister in water to check how much is left

Answer

Shake the canister and listen for liquid sounds

Answer

Order a refill only when the patient feels no medication coming out

Question 3

A patient asks whether their insulin should be stored in the freezer for longest shelf life. The technician should:

Accepted Answer

Advise that unopened insulin is stored in the refrigerator (not frozen) and in-use vials can be kept at room temperature per manufacturer guidelines

Answer

Tell the patient freezing insulin is the best preservation method

Answer

Tell the patient all insulin is stable at any temperature for up to one year

Answer

Advise the patient to ask their endocrinologist and offer no further guidance

Question 4

A patient picking up a new statin prescription asks if they can take it at any time of day. The technician should:

Accepted Answer

Let the patient know the pharmacist can advise on optimal timing, since some statins are most effective when taken in the evening

Answer

Tell the patient all statins must be taken at exactly 9 PM

Answer

Tell the patient time of day does not matter for any medication

Answer

Advise the patient to take the statin with breakfast every day regardless of which statin it is

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program in a pharmacy setting?

Accepted Answer

To optimize therapeutic outcomes for patients with chronic conditions through pharmacist-led medication review

Answer

To reduce pharmacy staff workload by limiting patient counseling

Answer

To allow pharmacy technicians to prescribe medications for common conditions

Answer

To manage insurance billing for controlled substances only

Question 6

A patient using a fentanyl transdermal patch asks the technician if they can cut the patch to lower the dose. The technician should:

Accepted Answer

Immediately refer the patient to the pharmacist because cutting fentanyl patches can cause rapid, potentially fatal dose release

Answer

Tell the patient cutting in half is a safe and common practice

Answer

Tell the patient to use medical scissors and the cut portion is still effective

Answer

Advise the patient to apply the cut patch and see how they feel

Question 7

When counseling a patient on the correct use of ear drops, which instruction should be included?

Accepted Answer

Warm the drops to body temperature, tilt the head, pull the ear up and back (adults), and remain in position for a few minutes after instillation

Answer

Instill the drops while standing upright and shake the head immediately after

Answer

Use as many drops as needed until symptoms resolve

Answer

Refrigerate the drops immediately after each use to maintain sterility