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

Duplicate therapy with CNS depressants is a serious safety concern that requires pharmacist review before dispensing.

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

The float test is no longer recommended; dose counters or tracking actuations used against labeled doses is the accurate method.

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

Freezing insulin damages its structure; refrigeration is recommended for unopened stock, while in-use vials may be kept at room temperature for a manufacturer-specified period.

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

Some statins (e.g., simvastatin, lovastatin) are more effective taken at night because cholesterol synthesis peaks during sleep; the pharmacist should individualize guidance.

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

MTM is a pharmacist-driven program targeting high-risk patients to improve adherence, reduce adverse events, and optimize drug therapy.

(PTCE) Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Practice Test

(PTCE) Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Practice Test

PTCE Patient Counseling 5