Prescription Errors - Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Ptce

Identify the error type: Rx amoxicillin; cephalexin is selected and billed for the fill.

Wrong drug. Selecting and processing a non-prescribed antibiotic constitutes dispensing an incorrect medication.
Which scenario is specifically a wrong route error rather than a wrong dose error?

Directions specify the incorrect administration route (for example, oral vs topical). Mismatched route in directions directly specifies an inappropriate administration method, distinct from mere dosage inaccuracies.
Identify the error type: Rx " $1$ patch weekly"; label says " $1$ patch daily."

Wrong dose (wrong frequency). Changing from weekly to daily application increases exposure frequency, resulting in excessive dosing over time.
Identify the wrong patient error: Rx for John A.; label printed for John B. with same DOB.

Wrong patient. Mismatched patient names despite shared details indicate a dispensing error to the incorrect individual.
What is the most accurate definition of a wrong patient error on a prescription label?

Medication dispensed to a person other than the intended patient. This error arises when the prescription label mismatches the intended recipient, risking administration to an incorrect individual and potential harm.
Identify the error type: Rx lisinopril 10 mg; lisinopril 20 mg tablets are dispensed.

Wrong dose/strength. Providing tablets of higher strength than prescribed results in an incorrect dosage per administration.
What is the most accurate definition of a wrong route error?

Medication is intended for a different route than prescribed. This error involves dispensing a product formulated for an administration method different from what was ordered, compromising efficacy and safety.
Identify the wrong quantity: Rx # $15$ mL; bottle labeled and dispensed as # $150$ mL.

Wrong quantity. Labeling and providing ten times the prescribed volume supplies an incorrect total amount of liquid medication.
Identify the error type: Rx insulin glargine $10$ units HS; label says $100$ units HS.

Wrong dose. A labeling mistake in insulin units leads to an inaccurate administered amount, posing severe risks like hypoglycemia.
Which common abbreviation on a prescription signals an intramuscular route that must match the product?

IM. IM indicates injection into muscle, requiring confirmation that the product is suitable for this parenteral administration.
Identify the error type: Rx "hydralazine"; technician selects "hydroxyzine" due to name similarity.

Wrong drug (look-alike/sound-alike selection error). Similar-sounding names can lead to selecting an antihistamine instead of an antihypertensive, causing therapeutic mismatch.
Identify the error type: Rx metoprolol succinate ER; metoprolol tartrate IR is dispensed.

Wrong drug (wrong formulation). Dispensing an immediate-release version instead of extended-release alters the drug's pharmacokinetic profile.
Which pair of products most strongly signals a potential wrong route error if interchanged?

Ophthalmic drops vs otic drops. Interchanging eye and ear preparations risks applying medication to the wrong anatomical site, leading to potential irritation or inefficacy.
Which common abbreviation on a prescription signals an oral route that must match the label?

PO. PO denotes per os, ensuring the oral formulation and label align with the prescribed ingestion method.
What is the most accurate definition of a wrong drug error in dispensing?

A different medication is dispensed than the one prescribed. This occurs when the selected medication does not match the prescribed one, leading to ineffective or harmful treatment.
Which check most directly prevents wrong patient errors at pickup in community pharmacy?

Verify at least two patient identifiers (for example, name and DOB). Using multiple identifiers ensures accurate patient matching, reducing the risk of releasing medication to the wrong person.
Identify the error type: Rx erythromycin ophthalmic; erythromycin topical ointment is dispensed.

Wrong route. Providing a skin ointment instead of eye drops alters the application site, risking inappropriate exposure and inefficacy.
Which common abbreviation on a prescription signals an intravenous route that must match the order?

IV. IV specifies vein infusion, necessitating a match between the order and the prepared solution for safe delivery.
What is the most accurate definition of a wrong quantity error?

Dispensed amount differs from the quantity prescribed. This error involves providing a total amount of medication that does not align with the prescribed quantity, affecting treatment duration or supply.
Identify the error type: Rx # $30$ tablets; # $90$ tablets are dispensed and labeled.

Wrong quantity. Dispensing three times the prescribed number of tablets exceeds the ordered supply for the treatment period.
Identify the error type: Rx "take $2$ tablets daily"; label says "take $1$ tablet daily."

Wrong dose (wrong directions leading to incorrect daily dose). Altered instructions reduce the total daily intake, deviating from the prescribed therapeutic regimen.
Which label element most directly helps detect a wrong route error before dispensing?

Route and dosage form directions (for example, "instill in eye" vs "apply to skin"). Specific instructions on application method allow verification that the product matches the prescribed administration pathway.
Identify the error type: Rx albuterol inhaler; albuterol nebulizer solution is dispensed.

Wrong route/dosage form. Substituting a nebulizer for an inhaler changes the delivery method, making it unsuitable for the intended respiratory administration.
Identify the error type: Rx "morphine sulfate ER"; morphine IR is dispensed with same strength.

Wrong drug (wrong release formulation). Substituting immediate-release for extended-release changes the drug's duration of action, affecting pain management efficacy.
What is the most accurate definition of a wrong dose (strength) error?

Dispensed strength or calculated dose differs from the prescribed dose. This happens when the dispensed medication's potency or amount per dose deviates from the prescription, potentially causing under- or overdosing.

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