CPhT - Certified Pharmacy Technician Practice Questions: Pharmacology Domain

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: Notifying the pharmacist ensures the prior authorization process is initiated correctly. Technicians typically do not submit prior authorizations independently. While the patient may need to be involved, the process starts with the pharmacy. Dispensing before authorization can lead to insurance issues.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Phenytoin is known to cause gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gum tissue, as a potential side effect.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: Checking the patient's insurance plan details in the pharmacy system can provide immediate information on coverage. While contacting the insurance company is an option, checking in the pharmacy system is more efficient. Advising a switch to generic without checking coverage may not be necessary. Assuming brand-name medications are rarely covered is not accurate and doesn't provide specific information.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: Using PPE is crucial to protect the technician from exposure to hazardous drugs. Double-checking is important but secondary to personal safety. PPE is the primary measure to ensure safety when handling hazardous drugs. Proper storage is important but not a direct safety measure during preparation. Labeling is necessary but does not protect the technician during handling.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: Informing the patient and consulting the pharmacist is the appropriate first step. Submitting without informing the patient may lead to delays and patient dissatisfaction. This option ensures that the patient is informed and the pharmacist can assist. Changing the medication without consulting the pharmacist is inappropriate. Billing the patient directly without attempting authorization may not be in the patient's best interest.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: CORRECT: Informing the pharmacist allows them to assess the situation and determine if it's safe to refill the prescription without a recent INR check. Refilling without an INR check could risk patient safety. While this is good advice, the technician should first involve the pharmacist. Correct, as it involves the pharmacist in ensuring patient safety. Monitoring for bleeding is important but does not address the immediate need for an INR check.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Vitamin K can antagonize the effects of warfarin, potentially leading to reduced anticoagulation.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: PPIs like omeprazole work by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, reducing gastric acid secretion.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: Removing the recalled medication and informing the pharmacist ensures patient safety and compliance with recall procedures. Dispensing a recalled medication poses a safety risk. Correct as it aligns with recall protocols. Ignoring a recall notice is unsafe and non-compliant. Contacting the manufacturer is not the immediate step; safety and compliance require removal from stock first.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Cephalosporins share a similar beta-lactam structure with penicillins, which can cause cross-reactivity in patients with a penicillin allergy.