Domain
A major content area covered on the PTCE.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Free knowledge base
PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE) — key terms, tricks & tips
Everything from the course in one searchable place: 225 entries. Use it to review before a practice test or look up a word you forgot.
225 results
Weighting
The percentage of questions from each domain on the exam.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Scaled Score
A converted score that adjusts for exam difficulty variations.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Pretest Questions
Unscored questions used to evaluate for future exams.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Pearson VUE
The testing center where the PTCE is administered.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Multiple-Choice
A question format with several options, one correct.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Understanding the PTCE Exam Structure and Format
My Patients Feel Only Awesome: Medications (40%), Patient Safety (26%), Federal Requirements (20%), Order Entry (14%).
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Understanding the PTCE Exam Structure and Format
The PTCE is a national certification exam. While state-specific laws exist, the PTCE focuses on federal laws and regulations. Memorize the four domains and their exact weightings as they are frequently tested.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Understanding the PTCE Exam Structure and Format
Underestimating the importance of the 'Medications' domain due to its large weighting.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Understanding the PTCE Exam Structure and Format
Not practicing with an on-screen calculator, leading to time loss during the exam.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Understanding the PTCE Exam Structure and Format
Ignoring the 20 unscored questions, which can still take up valuable time.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Active Recall
Retrieving information from memory rather than passively reviewing it.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Spaced Repetition
Reviewing material at increasing intervals to enhance long-term memory.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
PTCE Blueprint
Official PTCB document detailing exam domains, subdomains, and weights.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Learning Style
The preferred way an individual absorbs, processes, and retains information.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Practice Exam
Simulated test used to familiarize with format and identify knowledge gaps.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Study Schedule
A planned timetable for allocating study time to different subjects.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Passive Studying
Ineffective methods like re-reading notes without active engagement.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Effective Study Strategies for the PTCE
PACE Yourself: Plan, Actively recall, Consult resources, Evaluate progress.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Effective Study Strategies for the PTCE
The PTCE blueprint is updated periodically. Always check the official PTCB website for the most current version to ensure your study plan aligns with the latest exam content and weights. Keywords to spot in questions might include 'most effective study method' or 'best resource for exam content'.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Effective Study Strategies for the PTCE
Only re-reading notes or textbooks without actively testing your knowledge.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Effective Study Strategies for the PTCE
Ignoring the official PTCE blueprint and focusing on less important topics.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Effective Study Strategies for the PTCE
Cramming all studying into the last few days before the exam, leading to burnout and poor retention.
Getting Started: Navigating the PTCE
Pharmacology
Study of how drugs interact with living systems.
Medications: Core Principles
Pharmacokinetics
What the body does to the drug (ADME).
Medications: Core Principles
Pharmacodynamics
What the drug does to the body (effects).
Medications: Core Principles
Agonist
Drug that activates a receptor, producing a response.
Medications: Core Principles
Antagonist
Drug that blocks a receptor, preventing activation.
Medications: Core Principles
Receptor
Protein on a cell that binds specific substances.
Medications: Core Principles
Therapeutic Effect
Desired beneficial action of a drug.
Medications: Core Principles
Pharmacology Fundamentals: Drug Classes and Actions
ADME: A Drug's Movement Everywhere. Helps remember Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion.
Medications: Core Principles
Pharmacology Fundamentals: Drug Classes and Actions
The PTCE often includes questions about specific drug classes and their common uses or mechanisms. Memorize the primary therapeutic use for major drug classes like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins, and NSAIDs. Keywords to spot include 'lowers blood pressure,' 'reduces cholesterol,' 'relieves pain,' or 'treats infection.'
Medications: Core Principles
Pharmacology Fundamentals: Drug Classes and Actions
Confusing pharmacokinetics (what the body does to the drug) with pharmacodynamics (what the drug does to the body).
Medications: Core Principles
Pharmacology Fundamentals: Drug Classes and Actions
Misidentifying an agonist as an antagonist, or vice versa, based on its effect.
Medications: Core Principles
Pharmacology Fundamentals: Drug Classes and Actions
Not knowing the primary therapeutic use for common drug classes.
Medications: Core Principles
Brand-name drug
Original drug, patented, marketed by innovator company.
Medications: Core Principles
Generic drug
Copy of brand-name drug, same active ingredient, lower cost.
Medications: Core Principles
Therapeutic Equivalence
Generic drug has same clinical effect and safety as brand.
Medications: Core Principles
Bioequivalence
Same rate and extent of drug absorption as brand.
Medications: Core Principles
Orange Book
FDA publication listing approved drugs and equivalence ratings.
Medications: Core Principles
ANDA
Abbreviated New Drug Application for generic drug approval.
Medications: Core Principles
Pharmaceutical Equivalence
Same active ingredient, dosage form, strength, route.
Medications: Core Principles
Therapeutic Equivalence and Generic vs. Brand Drugs
Think 'G' for Generic and 'Good as the original!' The 'Orange Book' is where you 'O'ften look for equivalence.
Medications: Core Principles
Therapeutic Equivalence and Generic vs. Brand Drugs
The PTCE requires knowing that California law permits pharmacists to substitute a generic drug for a brand-name drug if it is therapeutically equivalent and the prescriber has not indicated 'do not substitute' or 'dispense as written.' The Orange Book is the primary reference.
Medications: Core Principles
Therapeutic Equivalence and Generic vs. Brand Drugs
Assuming all generic drugs are interchangeable without checking the Orange Book for therapeutic equivalence (e.g., 'AB' rating).
Medications: Core Principles
Therapeutic Equivalence and Generic vs. Brand Drugs
Not understanding that 'pharmaceutical equivalence' is a component of, but not the same as, 'therapeutic equivalence.'
Medications: Core Principles
Therapeutic Equivalence and Generic vs. Brand Drugs
Dispensing a generic when the prescriber has explicitly indicated 'dispense as written' or 'no substitution.'
Medications: Core Principles
Dietary Supplement
Product intended to supplement diet, containing dietary ingredients.
Medications: Core Principles
Herbal Remedy
Type of dietary supplement derived from plants for medicinal use.
Medications: Core Principles
DSHEA
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.
Medications: Core Principles
Structure/Function Claim
Statement describing how a product affects body structure/function.
Medications: Core Principles
Adulteration
Supplement containing undeclared or unsafe ingredients.
Medications: Core Principles
USP Verified
Third-party certification for supplement purity and potency.
Medications: Core Principles
Ginkgo Biloba
Herbal remedy known for blood-thinning interactions.
Medications: Core Principles
St. John's Wort
Herb interacting with many drugs, affecting liver enzymes.
Medications: Core Principles
Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies Overview
DSHEA: Don't Scrutinize Herbs, Evaluate After. (Meaning FDA doesn't pre-approve, but monitors post-market.)
Medications: Core Principles
Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies Overview
For the PTCE, remember that dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA under DSHEA, not as drugs. Key keywords to spot include 'structure/function claims' (allowed) versus 'disease claims' (not allowed). Be aware of common interactions like St. John's Wort with antidepressants/oral contraceptives and Ginkgo Biloba with anticoagulants.
Medications: Core Principles
Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies Overview
Assuming 'natural' means 'safe' or 'effective' without side effects or interactions.
Medications: Core Principles
Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies Overview
Providing medical advice or recommending specific supplements to patients.
Medications: Core Principles
Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies Overview
Not asking patients about their use of supplements when reviewing their medication profile.
Medications: Core Principles
Compounding
Customized preparation of medication for a specific patient.
Medications: Core Principles
Aseptic Technique
Practices maintaining sterility to prevent microbial contamination.
Medications: Core Principles
Cleanroom
Controlled environment with low levels of pollutants.
Medications: Core Principles
PEC
Primary Engineering Control; provides ISO Class 5 air.
Medications: Core Principles
LAFW
Laminar Airflow Workbench; provides filtered, unidirectional air.
Medications: Core Principles
USP <797>
Standards for sterile compounding.
Medications: Core Principles
USP <795>
Standards for non-sterile compounding.
Medications: Core Principles
Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Compounding Basics
Sterile is 'Seven' for 'Sky-high' standards (USP <797>). Non-sterile is 'Five' for 'Floor-level' standards (USP <795>).
Medications: Core Principles
Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Compounding Basics
The PTCE often tests on the specific USP chapters. Memorize that USP <797> is for sterile compounding and USP <795> is for non-sterile compounding. Look for keywords like 'IV,' 'ophthalmic,' or 'injection' for sterile, and 'cream,' 'oral solution,' or 'suppository' for non-sterile.
Medications: Core Principles
Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Compounding Basics
Confusing the requirements for sterile vs. non-sterile environments, leading to contamination risks.
Medications: Core Principles
Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Compounding Basics
Neglecting proper hand hygiene and garbing procedures, especially in sterile compounding.
Medications: Core Principles
Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Compounding Basics
Not knowing which USP chapter applies to which type of compounding.
Medications: Core Principles
Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Compounding Basics
Assuming all compounded medications require a cleanroom.
Medications: Core Principles
Medication Error
Preventable event causing inappropriate medication use or patient harm.
Medications: Core Principles
Adverse Drug Event (ADE)
Injury from medical intervention related to a drug.
Medications: Core Principles
Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)
Unexpected, undesired response to a drug.
Medications: Core Principles
Look-Alike/Sound-Alike (LASA)
Drugs with similar names or packaging, high error risk.
Medications: Core Principles
Near Miss
Error that was intercepted before reaching the patient.
Medications: Core Principles
High-Alert Medications
Drugs with high risk of causing significant patient harm.
Medications: Core Principles
Barcode Medication Admin (BCMA)
Scanning barcodes to verify medication at point of care.
Medications: Core Principles
Medication Safety: Preventing Errors & Adverse Events
For 'Five Rights': 'Patients Do Drugs Round The Clock' (Patient, Drug, Dose, Route, Time).
Medications: Core Principles
Medication Safety: Preventing Errors & Adverse Events
The PTCE emphasizes the importance of understanding ISMP's list of high-alert medications and error-prone abbreviations. You need to know which abbreviations are 'do not use' and common LASA drug pairs. Always prioritize patient safety in every step of the medication process.
Medications: Core Principles
Medication Safety: Preventing Errors & Adverse Events
Assuming an abbreviation is correct without clarification, leading to wrong dose or frequency.
Medications: Core Principles
Medication Safety: Preventing Errors & Adverse Events
Dispensing a medication based solely on packaging or shelf location without verifying the NDC and drug name.
Medications: Core Principles
Medication Safety: Preventing Errors & Adverse Events
Failing to report a near miss, which prevents the system from learning and improving.
Medications: Core Principles
Controlled Substances Act (CSA)
Federal law regulating manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Federal agency enforcing controlled substance laws and regulations.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Schedule I
High abuse potential, no accepted medical use.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Schedule II
High abuse potential, severe dependence, accepted medical use.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Schedule III
Moderate abuse potential, moderate dependence, accepted medical use.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Schedule IV
Low abuse potential, limited dependence, accepted medical use.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Schedule V
Lowest abuse potential, limited dependence, accepted medical use.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Diversion
Illegal transfer of controlled substances from legitimate to illicit channels.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Controlled Substances: Schedules and Regulations
Think 'A-B-C-D-E' for the schedules: A (Addiction - Schedule I), B (Big problems - Schedule II), C (Controlled - Schedule III), D (Dependence - Schedule IV), E (Easy - Schedule V, relatively).
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Controlled Substances: Schedules and Regulations
The PTCE often includes questions about specific controlled substance classifications. Memorize key examples for each schedule, especially Schedule II (opioids, stimulants) and Schedule IV (benzodiazepines), as these are frequently encountered in practice.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Controlled Substances: Schedules and Regulations
Assuming all controlled substances can be refilled; Schedule II cannot.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Controlled Substances: Schedules and Regulations
Forgetting that state laws can be stricter than federal laws; always follow the stricter rule.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Controlled Substances: Schedules and Regulations
Failing to document every step of controlled substance handling, leading to inventory discrepancies.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
FDA
Federal agency ensuring drug safety and efficacy.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
DEA
Federal agency enforcing controlled substance laws.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
State Board of Pharmacy
State agency licensing practitioners and pharmacies.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Controlled Substance
Drug with potential for abuse, regulated by DEA.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Drug Diversion
Illegal transfer of controlled substances.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
cGMP
Current Good Manufacturing Practices for drugs.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Biennial Inventory
Controlled substance inventory every two years.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Regulatory Agencies: FDA, DEA, and State Boards
F-D-A: F-or D-rugs A-pproval. D-E-A: D-rug E-nforcement A-gency. B-O-P: B-oard O-f P-ractice (state level).
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Regulatory Agencies: FDA, DEA, and State Boards
The PTCE often tests on the hierarchy of laws: federal law (FDA, DEA) generally takes precedence over state law, UNLESS the state law is stricter. Memorize this principle.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Regulatory Agencies: FDA, DEA, and State Boards
Confusing FDA's role in drug approval with DEA's role in controlled substance scheduling.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Regulatory Agencies: FDA, DEA, and State Boards
Believing state laws always override federal laws, instead of only when stricter.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Regulatory Agencies: FDA, DEA, and State Boards
Underestimating the importance of record-keeping for controlled substances; it's a major DEA focus.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
OTC (Over-the-Counter)
Medications safe and effective for public use without a prescription.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Drug Facts Label
Standardized label on OTC products with key information.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
OTC Drug Monograph
FDA 'recipe book' for acceptable OTC ingredients and labeling.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Active Ingredient
The component of a drug that provides the therapeutic effect.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Inactive Ingredient
Components that do not have therapeutic effects.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Referral
Directing a patient to the pharmacist for clinical questions.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
OTC Medications: Rules and Counseling
For 'Drug Facts' label sections, remember: **A**ll **U**sually **W**ant **D**irections, **O**r **I**nformation. (Active, Uses, Warnings, Directions, Other, Inactive)
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
OTC Medications: Rules and Counseling
Memorize the 6 main sections of the 'Drug Facts' label: Active Ingredients, Uses, Warnings, Directions, Other Information, Inactive Ingredients. The PTCE often asks about specific sections or their purpose.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
OTC Medications: Rules and Counseling
Providing medical advice or recommending a specific OTC product.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
OTC Medications: Rules and Counseling
Failing to refer a patient to the pharmacist when clinical questions arise.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
OTC Medications: Rules and Counseling
Not knowing the basic sections of an OTC 'Drug Facts' label.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
REMS
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies by FDA.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
ETASU
Elements to Assure Safe Use, part of complex REMS.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Medication Guide
FDA-approved patient education leaflet for specific drugs.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
iPLEDGE Program
REMS for isotretinoin to prevent fetal exposure.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Neutropenia
Abnormally low count of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Restricted Drug Program
Federal programs to manage serious drug risks.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Restricted Drug Programs and REMS
REMS: R-isk E-valuation M-ust S-ucceed! Remember, it's all about making sure the drug's benefits outweigh its risks.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Restricted Drug Programs and REMS
The PTCE often tests your understanding of the 'why' behind REMS – it's always about mitigating serious risks. Memorize that iPLEDGE is for isotretinoin and Clozapine REMS is for neutropenia risk.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Restricted Drug Programs and REMS
Dispensing a REMS drug without verifying all requirements.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Restricted Drug Programs and REMS
Not providing the patient with the required Medication Guide.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
Restricted Drug Programs and REMS
Assuming all REMS programs are the same; they vary greatly in complexity.
Federal Requirements: Legal Framework
LASA Drugs
Look-Alike/Sound-Alike medications; drugs that are easily confused due to similar names or appearance.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Just Culture
An organizational culture that balances accountability with learning from errors.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Root Cause Analysis
A systematic process for identifying the underlying causes of problems or incidents.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
MedWatch
The FDA's program for reporting adverse events, product problems, and errors.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Tall Man Lettering
Using uppercase letters to highlight differences in similar drug names (e.g., hydrALAzine).
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Five Rights
Right patient, drug, dose, route, and time; a fundamental safety check.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Preventing Errors & Reporting Systems
For 'LASA' drugs, remember: 'Loud And Strong Alerts' – use tall man lettering, separate them, and double-check!
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Preventing Errors & Reporting Systems
The PTCE often tests on the 'five rights' of medication administration and the importance of reporting systems like MedWatch. Memorize the purpose of MedWatch (reporting adverse drug events to the FDA) and recognize scenarios where it would be used.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Preventing Errors & Reporting Systems
Failing to report a near miss because no harm occurred.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Preventing Errors & Reporting Systems
Assuming a pharmacist will catch all errors, rather than actively participating in error prevention.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Preventing Errors & Reporting Systems
Not clarifying an ambiguous prescription order, leading to potential misinterpretation.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
High-Alert Medication
Drugs with a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
ISMP
Institute for Safe Medication Practices; provides high-alert lists.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Independent Double-Check
Two healthcare professionals independently verify medication, dose, route, patient.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Narrow Therapeutic Window
Small difference between effective and toxic doses.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Barcode Scanning
Technology used to verify medication, dose, and patient at various points.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Smart Pumps
IV infusion pumps with dose error reduction software.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
High-Alert Medications: Identification and Management
HIGH-ALERT: H-elp (double-check), I-dentify (labels), G-uard (segregate), H-andle (protocols), A-lways (educate), L-ook (LASA), E-xamine (patient), R-eview (ISMP), T-hink (consequences).
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
High-Alert Medications: Identification and Management
The PTCE often tests on specific examples of high-alert medications. Memorize the ISMP's general categories: insulin, opioids, anticoagulants, chemotherapy, neuromuscular blockers, and concentrated electrolytes.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
High-Alert Medications: Identification and Management
Skipping independent double-checks due to perceived time pressure or familiarity with the drug.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
High-Alert Medications: Identification and Management
Relying on memory instead of consulting the ISMP high-alert list or pharmacy protocols.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
High-Alert Medications: Identification and Management
Confusing similar packaging or names without verifying the exact drug and dose.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Risk Management
Identifying, assessing, and controlling threats to patient safety and pharmacy operations.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Quality Improvement (QI)
Systematic process to enhance patient outcomes and system performance continuously.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance (QA)
A program ensuring services meet established standards of quality and safety.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
A reactive method to identify the fundamental reasons for an error or problem.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Proactive Strategy
Measures taken to prevent errors or adverse events before they occur.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Reactive Strategy
Responses to errors or incidents after they have already happened.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Risk Management and Quality Improvement
To remember PDCA: 'Panda's Don't Cause Accidents' — Plan, Do, Check, Act.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Risk Management and Quality Improvement
The PTCE often tests your understanding of the difference between proactive and reactive safety measures. Look for keywords like 'preventative' for proactive, and 'investigation after an event' for reactive.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Risk Management and Quality Improvement
Confusing risk management (preventing bad things) with quality improvement (making good things better).
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Risk Management and Quality Improvement
Failing to report near misses, thinking they don't count as errors.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Risk Management and Quality Improvement
Believing quality improvement is only for pharmacists, not technicians.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Infection Control
Practices preventing spread of infectious diseases.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Standard Precautions
Minimum infection prevention for all patient care.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Hand Hygiene
Washing hands or using alcohol-based rub.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Pathogen
A microorganism that can cause disease.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
HIPAA
Law protecting patient health information privacy.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
PHI
Protected Health Information; identifiable health data.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Need-to-Know Basis
Accessing only necessary patient info for job.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Breach
Unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of PHI.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Infection Control and Patient Confidentiality (HIPAA)
For HIPAA, remember: H-I-P-A-A = 'Hands-off! Information Protected, Always Accountable!'
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Infection Control and Patient Confidentiality (HIPAA)
The PTCE often tests on the 'minimum necessary' rule under HIPAA, meaning you should only access or disclose the least amount of PHI required to accomplish a task. Keywords to spot include 'minimum necessary' or 'least intrusive'.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Infection Control and Patient Confidentiality (HIPAA)
Forgetting to perform hand hygiene after removing gloves.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Infection Control and Patient Confidentiality (HIPAA)
Discussing patient information in a public area like the waiting room.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Infection Control and Patient Confidentiality (HIPAA)
Accessing a patient's profile out of curiosity, not for job duties.
Patient Safety & Quality Assurance
Prescription
A written order for medication from a prescriber.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Medication Order
An order for medication in an inpatient setting.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Sig
Directions for use of a medication.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
DEA Number
Drug Enforcement Administration registration number for controlled substances.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
PRN
As needed (Latin: pro re nata).
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
STAT
Immediately (Latin: statim).
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
DAW
Dispense As Written (no generic substitution).
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Prescription and Medication Order Interpretation
P.P.D.D.S.S.S. for Prescription Parts: Patient, Prescriber, Date, Drug, Dispense, Sig, Signature! Don't forget the DEA for controlled substances!
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Prescription and Medication Order Interpretation
The PTCE often tests your knowledge of common abbreviations. While some states have banned certain abbreviations, the exam expects you to know them for interpretation. Memorize common ones like 'bid', 'tid', 'qid', 'po', 'prn', 'ac', 'pc', 'qhs'. Also, know the essential components required on ALL prescriptions, especially for controlled substances.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Prescription and Medication Order Interpretation
Guessing the meaning of an unfamiliar or ambiguous abbreviation instead of asking the pharmacist.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Prescription and Medication Order Interpretation
Failing to confirm all required elements, especially the DEA number for controlled substances.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Prescription and Medication Order Interpretation
Not recognizing a potential drug interaction or allergy during the interpretation phase.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Metric System
Standard system of measurement using units like grams, liters, and meters.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Apothecary System
Older system of measurement, sometimes seen in prescriptions (e.g., grains).
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Ratio and Proportion
Mathematical method used to solve for an unknown quantity based on equivalent ratios.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Body Surface Area (BSA)
A measure used for dosing, especially in oncology and pediatrics (m²).
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Flow Rate
The speed at which an IV infusion is administered, typically in mL/hour or drops/minute.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Drop Factor
The number of drops per milliliter delivered by specific IV tubing.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Conversion Factor
A numerical value used to change one unit of measurement to another.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Pharmaceutical Calculations: Dosage and Conversions
Kilo, Hecto, Deca, Base, Deci, Centi, Milli, Micro! (King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk)
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Pharmaceutical Calculations: Dosage and Conversions
The PTCE requires you to be proficient in conversions between the metric, apothecary, and household systems. Pay close attention to questions involving fluid ounces, teaspoons, tablespoons, and grains, as these are common conversion pitfalls. Memorize key equivalencies like 1 fl oz = 30 mL and 1 tsp = 5 mL.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Pharmaceutical Calculations: Dosage and Conversions
Incorrectly converting units (e.g., 1g = 100mg instead of 1000mg).
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Pharmaceutical Calculations: Dosage and Conversions
Misplacing the decimal point in calculations.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Pharmaceutical Calculations: Dosage and Conversions
Forgetting to convert patient weight from pounds to kilograms for weight-based dosing.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Dispensing
The process of preparing and providing medication to a patient.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
E-prescribing
Electronic generation and transmission of prescriptions.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Sig (Directions)
Instructions for how a patient should take their medication.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Auxiliary labels
Additional warning or instructional labels on a medication container.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Pharmacist verification
Final check by a pharmacist for accuracy and clinical appropriateness.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Patient counseling
Pharmacist's discussion with patient about medication use.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Dispensing Process: From Receipt to Patient Hand-off
To remember the key dispensing steps: R.E.V. P.P.C.D. (Receipt, Entry, Verification, Preparation, Packaging, Counseling, Documentation).
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Dispensing Process: From Receipt to Patient Hand-off
California law requires pharmacists to offer to counsel patients on all new prescriptions and refills when professional judgment deems it necessary. Technicians must identify patients needing counseling and refer them to the pharmacist.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Dispensing Process: From Receipt to Patient Hand-off
Misinterpreting prescription abbreviations or dosages during data entry, leading to incorrect medication strength or quantity.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Dispensing Process: From Receipt to Patient Hand-off
Failing to perform a thorough final check, resulting in dispensing the wrong medication or an incorrectly labeled product.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Dispensing Process: From Receipt to Patient Hand-off
Not referring a patient to the pharmacist for counseling, especially for new medications or significant changes, which can lead to improper medication use.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Inventory
Stock of medications and supplies in a pharmacy.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Par Level
Minimum quantity of an item that should be kept in stock.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Formulary
List of drugs covered by an insurance plan.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Copayment
Fixed amount patient pays for a prescription.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Deductible
Amount patient pays before insurance coverage begins.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Prior Authorization
Insurance approval needed before covering certain drugs.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Wholesaler
Company that sells drugs to pharmacies.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Inventory Management and Billing/Reimbursement
FIFO: 'First In, First Out' – use the oldest meds first to prevent waste!
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Inventory Management and Billing/Reimbursement
The PTCE expects you to know the difference between a deductible, copayment, and coinsurance. Pay close attention to how each affects the patient's out-of-pocket cost.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Inventory Management and Billing/Reimbursement
Not checking expiration dates during stocking, leading to expired medications on shelves.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Inventory Management and Billing/Reimbursement
Failing to verify insurance information completely, causing claim rejections and delays.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations
Inventory Management and Billing/Reimbursement
Ignoring 'return to stock' medications, leading to incorrect inventory counts.
Order Entry & Processing: Pharmacy Operations