PTCB Practice Test 7: Free 20-Question Mini Exam

Correct answer: D. Postherpetic neuralgia

Gabapentin is FDA-approved to relieve postherpetic neuralgia, the nerve pain that can persist after a shingles outbreak, and as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures. Fibromyalgia is an approved indication for the related drug pregabalin, not for gabapentin, so it is a common distractor.

Correct answer: A. 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F)

USP defines controlled cold temperature as thermostatically maintained between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F), the standard pharmacy refrigerator range. The -25°C to -10°C range describes freezer storage, which would ruin most refrigerated products such as insulin and many vaccines.

Correct answer: D. Notify the local DEA Field Division Office in writing within one business day and file DEA Form 106 within 45 days of discovery

Under 21 CFR 1301.76(b), a registrant must notify the DEA Field Division Office in writing within one business day of discovering a theft or significant loss of controlled substances, and must then file a complete and accurate DEA Form 106 through DEA's secure network application within 45 days of discovery. Form 41 documents destruction, not theft.

Correct answer: C. Making an over-the-counter product recommendation

PTCE knowledge area 3.3 lists issues requiring pharmacist intervention, including drug utilization review, adverse drug events, OTC recommendations, therapeutic substitution, misuse, adherence, post-immunization care, allergies, and drug interactions. Recommending an OTC product is clinical advice reserved for the pharmacist. Counting, labeling, and restocking are routine technician duties.

Correct answer: A. Levigation

Levigation reduces particle size and grittiness by working a powder with a liquid levigating agent, such as glycerin or mineral oil, into a smooth paste before adding it to a semisolid base. This improves dispersion of insoluble powders in creams, pastes, and ointments and yields a smooth, streak-free product.

Correct answer: C. Factor Xa

Apixaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor, which is why drugs in its class often end in -xaban. Warfarin instead interferes with vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and clopidogrel blocks platelet P2Y12 receptors, so each works on a different part of clot formation.

Correct answer: C. Taking an NSAID with warfarin increases the risk of serious bleeding

Warfarin can cause serious, even fatal bleeding, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen add to that bleeding risk, so the combination needs pharmacist review. The interaction increases bleeding rather than clotting, which makes the absorption-and-clots option exactly backwards.

Correct answer: B. Refuse, because accessing or disclosing PHI is only permitted for job-related purposes such as treatment, payment, or health care operations

A covered entity's workforce may use or disclose PHI without patient authorization only for permitted purposes such as treatment, payment, and health care operations. Looking up a patient's profile to satisfy a personal request has no permitted purpose and would violate the Privacy Rule, which also requires role-based limits on internal access to PHI.