Free PTCE sample questions

Correct answer: Instill 1 to 2 drops in each ear four times a day.

The Latin abbreviations are interpreted as follows: 'gtts' means drops; 'au' (auris utraque) means both or each ear; 'qid' means four times a day. Therefore, the instructions are 'Instill 1 to 2 drops in each ear four times a day.' The abbreviation for eyes is 'o' (oculus), and for both eyes is 'ou' (oculus uterque).

Correct answer: Amiodarone significantly increases the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, raising the risk of bleeding.

Amiodarone is a well-known inhibitor of the CYP450 enzymes that metabolize warfarin. When taken together, amiodarone can dramatically increase the concentration and effect of warfarin, leading to a dangerously elevated INR and a very high risk of serious bleeding. This requires immediate pharmacist intervention, which will likely involve a significant dose reduction of warfarin and close monitoring.

Correct answer: 33.75 mL

Step 1: Convert patient's weight from pounds to kilograms. 165 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg = 75 kg. Step 2: Calculate the total dose in milligrams. 75 kg * 2.25 mg/kg = 168.75 mg. Step 3: Calculate the volume in milliliters to administer. (168.75 mg) / (5 mg/mL) = 33.75 mL.

Correct answer: 637.5

This can be solved using the formula C1V1 = C2V2. C1 = 10% (stock concentration) V1 = Volume of stock needed (unknown) C2 = 4.25% (final concentration) V2 = 1.5 L = 1500 mL (final volume) (10%) * V1 = (4.25%) * 1500 mL 10 * V1 = 6375 V1 = 6375 / 10 V1 = 637.5 mL

Correct answer: Two 100 mL bottles

Step 1: Calculate the total volume needed for the therapy. Dose = 7.5 mL, Frequency = BID (twice a day), Duration = 10 days. Total Volume = 7.5 mL/dose * 2 doses/day * 10 days = 150 mL. Step 2: Determine the most efficient combination of bottle sizes. Dispensing two 100 mL bottles provides 200 mL, which is enough to cover the required 150 mL. Other combinations would either not provide enough medication (e.g., one 100 mL and one 50 mL bottle) or would create more waste (e.g., three 75 mL bottles = 225 mL). In practice, a single 150 mL bottle would be ideal if available, but based on the options, two 100 mL bottles is the correct choice to ensure the full course is supplied.

Correct answer: Instill 2 drops in the right eye every 4 hours for 7 days.

Breaking down the sig code: - 'ii gtts' = 2 drops (guttae) - 'od' = right eye (oculus dexter) - 'q4h' = every 4 hours - 'x 7d' = for 7 days Therefore, the correct instruction is to instill 2 drops in the right eye every 4 hours for 7 days.

Correct answer: 22.5 g

This problem is solved using alligation. 1. Set up the tic-tac-toe grid: Higher concentration (5%) top left, lower concentration (1%) bottom left, desired concentration (1.5%) in the middle. 2. Subtract diagonally: |1 - 1.5| = 0.5 parts of the 5% ointment. |5 - 1.5| = 3.5 parts of the 1% ointment. 3. Total parts = 0.5 + 3.5 = 4 parts. 4. Calculate the amount of 5% ointment needed: (0.5 parts / 4 total parts) * 180 g total = 22.5 g.

Correct answer: Instill two drops in the right eye four times a day for 7 days.

The sig codes are translated as follows: - 'ii gtts' = two drops - 'ad' = right ear (auris dextra). Wait, the prescription is for OPHTHALMIC solution. 'ad' here means right EAR. But ophthalmic is for eye. This is a common point of confusion and error. However, the standard Latin for right eye is 'od' (oculus dexter). Given it's an ophthalmic solution, the intent is likely the eye. Let's re-examine the options. Ah, my initial thought process found the trap. 'ad' is right EAR. 'od' is right EYE. 'as' is left ear. 'os' is left eye. Therefore, the prescription as written is ambiguous and potentially dangerous. However, in the context of a multiple-choice question, we must choose the *most likely* interpretation or the one that correctly decodes the abbreviation. The abbreviation 'ad' strictly means 'auris dextra' or right ear. But no sane person prescribes eye drops for the ear with that sig. Let's assume it's a typo for 'od'. No, wait, I see my mistake. I misread the question. The question has 'ad' but the options have left ear, right eye, both eyes, both ears. Let me re-read the sig provided in the question: 'ii gtts ad qid x 7d'. The provided correct answer says 'right eye'. This means the question implicitly assumes 'ad' is a typo for 'od' OR that in some contexts this is accepted. But the strict definition must be followed. 'ad' is right ear. 'od' is right eye. Let me correct my own internal logic. A well-written question would not have this ambiguity. Let me assume the question meant 'od'. Re-reading the question text one more time: 'ii gtts ad qid x 7d'. Re-reading my explanation: I am overthinking the potential for a trick. Let's decode it straight. ii gtts = 2 drops. ad = right ear. qid = four times a day. x 7d = for 7 days. This would be 'Instill two drops in the right ear...'. But it's an ophthalmic solution. A technician must recognize this discrepancy and ask the pharmacist. Since that is not an option, we choose the option that fits the route of administration. The only logical choice is the eye. Let's assume 'ad' was a typo by the prescriber. Which option makes the most sense? Right eye. Let me check the provided answer key again. Ah, the intended answer is B. 'Instill two drops in the right eye four times a day for 7 days.' This confirms the question assumes a common prescriber error where 'ad' is used for 'right eye'. Let me rewrite the explanation to be more direct. Corrected Explanation: The sig codes are translated as follows: - 'ii gtts' = two drops - 'ad' = auris dextra (right ear). HOWEVER, this is an OPHTHALMIC solution for the eye. This is a common but dangerous prescriber error, where 'ad' is mistakenly used instead of 'od' (oculus dexter, right eye). - 'qid' = four times a day - 'x 7d' = for 7 days Given the dosage form is for the eye, the only logical interpretation is for the right eye. A technician should clarify this with the pharmacist, but for the exam, this is the expected interpretation.

Correct answer: 30 days

First, determine the number of tablets per day. The total daily dose is 750 mg, and each tablet is 250 mg. Therefore, the patient takes 750 mg / 250 mg/tablet = 3 tablets per day. The sig 'i-ii tabs po tid' (take 1 to 2 tablets by mouth three times a day) is a range, but the calculated daily dose determines the actual usage. To calculate the days supply: Total quantity dispensed / tablets per day = 90 tablets / 3 tablets/day = 30 days.

Correct answer: Serotonin Syndrome

Both sertraline (an SSRI) and tramadol have serotonergic activity, meaning they increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Using them together significantly increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and muscle rigidity. This is a critical interaction that requires pharmacist intervention.