PTCB Updated PTCE Exam Questions and Answers by alaia

To determine theweight/weight (w/w) percentage strength, use the formula:

\text{w/w % strength} = \left( \frac{\text{Mass of Active Ingredient (g)}}{\text{Total Mass of Final Product (g)}} \right) \times 100

Given:

Mass of zinc oxide (active ingredient) = 4.5 g

Total mass of final ointment = 30 g

\text{w/w % strength} = \left( \frac{4.5}{30} \right) \times 100 =0.15×100= 0.15 \times 100=0.15×100 =15%= 15\%=15%

(A) 0.25%❌Incorrect – This is too low.

(B) 10%❌Incorrect – This would be true if 3 g of zinc oxide were used in 30 g total.

(C) 15%✅Correct – The calculation confirms this answer.

(D) 17.5%❌Incorrect – This would be true if 5.25 g of zinc oxide were used in 30 g total.

Pharmaceutical Calculations, 15th Edition– Howard C. Ansel

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter <795>– Compounding Non-Sterile Preparations

PTCB Exam Content Outline – Pharmaceutical Calculations

Analysis of Answer Choices:References for Pharmacy Technicians:

The prescription forhydroxyzine (25 mg q6h) for hypertensionis likely alook-alike, sound-alike (LASA) medication error, ashydroxyzineis anantihistamineused foranxiety, nausea, and allergiesbutnot for hypertension.

A common LASA confusion is between:

Hydroxyzine (antihistamine, sedative effects, brand names: Vistaril, Atarax)

Hydralazine (antihypertensive, vasodilator, used for hypertension, brand: Apresoline)

Sincehydralazineis used forhypertension, the prescription likely contains anordering errorthat must be clarified with the prescriber.

A. Hydroxyzine requires special handling→ Incorrect; hydroxyzine does not require special handling.

B. The prescription exceeds the maximum recommended daily dose→ Incorrect; hydroxyzine's max daily dose is400 mg/day, and this prescription does not exceed it.

D. Hydroxyzine is subject to a REMS program→ Incorrect; hydroxyzineis not part of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

FDA & ISMP Look-Alike Sound-Alike (LASA) Drug List

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Medication Safety & Error Prevention)

Lexicomp Drug Monographs for Hydroxyzine & Hydralazine

Controlled substances (Schedules I–V) are classified by the DEA based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and dependence risk.

Schedule I (highest risk, no medical use):Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy.

Schedule II (high abuse potential, medical use):Oxycodone, Morphine, Fentanyl.

Schedule III (moderate abuse potential):Codeine combinations, Ketamine.

Schedule IV (low abuse potential):Alprazolam, Zolpidem.

Schedule V (lowest risk):Cough syrups with low doses of codeine.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. All contain hydrocodone?❌OnlySchedule II and IIImay contain hydrocodone.

C. FDA-approved indications?❌Schedule I drugs haveno FDA-approved medical use.

D. Insurance verification?❌Not all controlled drugs require insurance verification.

????Reference:DEA Controlled Substance Act, PTCB Controlled Substances Guide.

Schedule III & IV drugs can be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months from the date written.

After 6 months or 5 refills, a new prescription is required.

????Reference:DEA Controlled Substance Act (21 CFR 1306).