PTCE Exam Dumps - Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) Exam

Thevaricella (chickenpox) vaccine(brand nameVarivax) is alive attenuated virus vaccinethat requiresfreezingto maintain stability.

TheCDC and manufacturers (Merck) require that Varicella vaccine be stored in a freezer at:

Temperature range: -50°C to -15°C (-58°F to +5°F)

Acceptable range:-20°C to -10°C (-4°F to 14°F)

Do NOT store in the refrigerator–Refrigeration deactivates the live virus, making the vaccine ineffective.

Store in a stand-alone freezer(not in a refrigerator/freezer combo) to ensure temperature stability.

B. In the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C/36°F to 46°F)❌→Incorrect.

Refrigerationcompromises the vaccine’s potency, leading to inactivation of the live virus.

C. At room temperature (15°C to 30°C/59°F to 86°F)❌→Incorrect.

Room temperature storage causes rapid degradation of the live virus, rendering the vaccine ineffective.

D. In a warmer (30°C to 40°C/86°F to 104°F)❌→Incorrect & Unsafe.

Thisdestroysthe vaccine and makes it completely ineffective.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidelines– States that varicella vaccinesmust be stored in the freezer at -50°C to -15°C (-58°F to +5°F).

Manufacturer (Merck) Guidelines for Varivax– Specifies strict freezer storage requirements.

USP <797> & USP <800> Guidelines– Discuss vaccine stability and proper storage conditions.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers vaccine storage and handling protocols.

Proper Long-Term Storage Conditions for Varicella VaccineWhy Not the Other Options?Key References:

Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes, increasingbudesonide levels inthe blood, leading tohigher risk of side effects (immune suppression, adrenal insufficiency).

Budesonide is a corticosteroid used for Crohn’s disease and asthma.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Dairy products?❌No significant interaction.

C. Leafy greens?❌Affectswarfarin (not budesonide).

D. Aged cheese?❌Interacts withMAO inhibitors, not budesonide.

📌Reference:FDA Drug-Food Interaction Guide, PTCB Medication Safety Guidelines.

According toUSP Chapter <800>(Hazardous Drugs—Handling in Healthcare Settings), solid oral dosage forms ofantineoplastic hazardous drugs (e.g., chemotherapy medications like methotrexate or tamoxifen)shouldnotbe placed inautomated counting or packaging machinesbecause:

Risk of Contamination– Tablets and capsulesmay generate dust or powder residue, which can spread hazardous drug particles into the environment.

Exposure Risks– Pharmacy staff may beexposed to hazardous particleswhen refilling, cleaning, or maintaining the machine. This poses a risk ofinhalation, dermal exposure, or accidental ingestion.

Strict USP <800> Compliance– Hazardous drugs requirespecial handling precautions, includingdesignated counting trays, dedicated equipment, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Automated machinesdo not provide the necessary containmentfor hazardous drug particles.

USP Chapter <800>– Mandates specific safety measures for handling hazardous drugs in pharmacies, including avoiding automated dispensing systems for hazardous solids.

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) List of Hazardous Drugs– Identifies drugs requiring special handling to minimize occupational exposure.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Hazardous Drug Guidelines– Reinforces the need to prevent aerosolization of hazardous drug particles.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers hazardous drug handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance with USP <800>.

Key References:🔹Why Not the Other Options?

A. Require a sterile environment❌→ Tablets and capsules arenon-steriledosage forms, and USP <800> focuses on hazardous drug containment rather than sterility.

B. Are often involved in dispensing errors❌→ While hazardous drugs must be dispensed carefully,dispensing errors are not the main reason for avoiding automated machines.

D. Expire sooner than other medications❌→ Expiration dates are unrelated tohazardous drug contamination risks.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Procardiais thebrand name for Nifedipine, acalcium channel blocker (CCB)used totreat hypertension and angina.

📌Explanation of Answer Choices:✅A. Nifedipine→Correct.Procardia = Nifedipine.❌B. Felodipine→ Incorrect.Another CCB, but not the generic for Procardia.❌C. Diltiazem→ Incorrect.A different CCB (Cardizem).❌D. Amlodipine→ Incorrect.A CCB (Norvasc), but not the generic for Procardia.

📌Reference:

FDA Orange Book

PTCB Exam: Generic & Brand Name Medications

In pharmacy practice and per USP/FDA conventions, when a manufacturer’s expiration date is expressed only as a month and year (e.g., “EXP 03/2026”), the product remains usable through the last day of that month. This standard is applied for product beyond-use and stock management, ensuring consistent interpretation across labeling and inventory control.

According toCDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines, pharmacy technicians should wash their hands withsoap and waterinstead of alcohol-based hand sanitizer when:

Hands are visibly dirty→ Alcohol-based sanitizers are ineffective against certain contaminants like dirt, grease, and some bacteria.

Before eating→ Prevents ingestion of harmful pathogens.

After using the restroom→ Soap and water are required to remove potential fecal contamination.

A. They have time, before eating, and after eating❌→Incorrect

Handwashing ismandatorywhen hands are dirty or after using the restroom, not just when there's time.

B. Their hands are visibly clean, after eating, and before each patient❌→Incorrect

Washing isnot required if hands appear clean—sanitizer is acceptable in most situations except when visibly soiled.

C. They have finished filling prescriptions, before eating, and after each patient❌→Incorrect

Hand hygiene is important, but hand sanitizer is typically used between patients unless hands are visibly dirty.

CDC Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings– Recommendssoap and waterfor visibly soiled hands and after restroom use.

USP <797> Guidelines for Aseptic Technique– Emphasizes proper handwashing for sterile compounding.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers infection control and hand hygiene protocols.

Why Not the Other Options?Key References:

Oxaprozinis anonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)used to treat arthritis. It is listed on theISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices) List of Confused Drug Namesdue to its similarity toTopamax (topiramate), an anticonvulsant used for epilepsy and migraine prevention. The confusion arises because both drug nameslook and sound similar, which can lead to dispensing errors.

A. Tobradex→ Incorrect. Tobradex is anantibiotic/steroid ophthalmic medicationand is not confused with oxaprozin.

C. Tradjenta→ Incorrect. Tradjenta (linagliptin) is aDPP-4 inhibitor for diabetesand is not commonly confused with oxaprozin.

D. Trileptal→ Incorrect. Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is ananticonvulsantbut is not on the ISMP Confused Drug List with oxaprozin.

Incorrect Answer Choices:Pharmacy Technician References:

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Error Prevention and Look-Alike/Sound-Alike (LASA) Drugs)

Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) List of Confused Drug Names

FDA Drug Safety Communications

Mosby’s Pharmacy Technician Exam Review

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)andVenlafaxine (Effexor)belong to the same class ofserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They both work by inhibiting the reuptake ofserotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE), increasing their levels in the synaptic cleft to enhance neurotransmission, which is effective in treatingmajor depressive disorder (MDD).

A. Valacyclovir→ Incorrect; valacyclovir is anantiviralused to treatherpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections.It inhibits viral DNA replication, not neurotransmitter reuptake.

B. Varenicline→ Incorrect; varenicline (Chantix) is apartial nicotinic receptor agonistused forsmoking cessation, not an SNRI.

D. Verapamil→ Incorrect; verapamil is acalcium channel blocker (CCB)used forhypertension and arrhythmias, which has no relation to antidepressant mechanisms.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmacology for Technicians – Nervous System Drugs)

Lexicomp Drug Monographs for Desvenlafaxine and Venlafaxine

Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics