TheoryFree PTCB PTCE Practice Test
Take a free PTCB PTCE practice test for 2026 with questions, answers, explanations, PDF download and timed mock exam links.
PTCB PTCE Questions
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Q1If skin comes in contact with chemotherapy drugs, what should a pharmacy technician do first?
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✓ Correct answer: Wash the area with soap and water.
Immediately wash the exposed area with soap and water if skin comes in contact with chemotherapy drugs during preparation.
Q2Which part of the ear is coiled and comprises three canals filled with fluid?
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✓ Correct answer: cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled area of the ear consisting of three fluid-filled canals. The small hair-like structures located here are connected to the acoustic nerve, which transmits impulses to the brain.
Q3Which of the following DEA forms is needed when destroying outdated or damaged controlled substances?
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✓ Correct answer: DEA Form 41
DEA Form 41 is used for destruction of controlled substances. DEA Form 106 (choice B) must be completed in the event of a theft or loss of controlled substances. DEA Form 222 (choice C) is used to order Schedule II controlled substances, and a DEA Form 224 (choice D) is used for initial registration with the DEA.
Q4All of the following sections are components of a neuron EXCEPT:
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✓ Correct answer: dehydrator
This is not one of the primary components of a neuron. The four main parts are the cell body, dendrites, axon, and the nerve terminal. Neurons are the smallest functional unit of the nervous system.
Q5When conducting a check of expired drugs in the tablet/capsule section you find that the pharmacy had dispensed a medication that has expired. This is an example of what type of medication error?
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✓ Correct answer: deteriorated drug error
Deteriorated drug error is administration of a drug that has expired or for which the physical or chemical dosage form integrity has been compromised. Omission error is failure to administer an ordered dose to a patient before the next scheduled dose. Improper error is administration to the patient of a dose that is greater than or less than order. Wrong drug preparation error is a drug product incorrectly formulated or manipulated before administration.
Q6The ISMP and the Vermont Oxford Network are working to standardize infusion for the <code>________</code> patient to reduce the medication error risk when critically ill patients are transferred from one facility to another.
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✓ Correct answer: Neonate
ISMP and VON are working to standardize concentration for typical neonatal infusions in an effect to provide the demand necessary for manufacturers to offer commercially prepared standard solution.
Q7<code>________</code> can contribute to a medication error. Therefore, it is important for pharmacy technicians to know generic and brand names very well.
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✓ Correct answer: All of the above
The correct answer is "All of the above" because each of the options contribute to medication errors, a common cause of death among patients in the United States.
Q8Which of the following best describes the process of counting Schedule II medications for the biennial controlled substance inventory?
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✓ Correct answer: All medications need to be counted by hand
For the biennial Schedule II controlled substance inventory, all medications need to be counted by hand. All Schedule II medications must be physically counted, by hand for every biennial inventory. Estimating the quantities of these medications is not permitted. All Schedule II medications in the pharmacy must be physically counted, including those awaiting disposal.
Q9Which of the following medications does not need to be counted by hand during the biennial controlled substance inventory (consider all package sizes <1000 units)?
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✓ Correct answer: Lorazepam
Lorazepam, a schedule IV controlled substance, does not need to be counted by hand for the biennial controlled substance inventory, if the package size is less than 1000 tablets. If the package size was greater than 1000 tablets and the package was open, then it would need to be counted by hand. The other medications are Schedule II controlled substances, and need to be counted by hand.
Q10Of the tasks listed below, which one can only be performed by the pharmacist?
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✓ Correct answer: transferring a prescription via an unshared network
Transferring a prescription via an unshared network is a task that can only be performed by the pharmacist. This involves securely transmitting prescription information from one pharmacy to another without sharing it on a shared network. This task requires the pharmacist to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the prescription data being transferred.<br/><br/>Incorrect answer analysis:<br/><br/>Option A) Compounding a prescription product.<br/>Compounding a prescription product is not a task that can only be performed by the pharmacist. While pharmacists are often involved in compounding medications, other healthcare professionals like pharmacy technicians may also be trained to perform this task under supervision.<br/><br/>Option B) Entering new prescriptions into the computer.<br/>Entering new prescriptions into the computer is not a task that can only be performed by the pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians and other authorized personnel are responsible for accurately entering prescription information into the computer system under the pharmacist's supervision.<br/><br/>Option C) Maintaining medication inventory.<br/>Maintaining medication inventory is not a task that can only be performed by the pharmacist. It is a responsibility shared by the entire pharmacy team, including pharmacy technicians and other staff members who assist in managing and tracking medication stock levels.<br/><br/>By analyzing the incorrect answer options, it is clear that only option D) transferring a prescription via an unshared network is a task that solely falls under the pharmacist's role and responsibility.
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