Ptcb Quiz: Strength And Dose
19 questions · exam conditions
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Strength And DoseQuestion 1 of 19

A patient presents a prescription for: Levothyroxine 125 mcg Sig: Take 1 tablet by mouth daily

Which of the following products should the pharmacy technician select from the shelf to fill this prescription?

Levothyroxine 1.25 mg tablets
Levothyroxine 12.5 mcg tablets
Levothyroxine 125 mcg tablets
Levothyroxine 0.125 mg tablets
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Ptcb Quiz

Ptcb Quiz: Strength And Dose

Practice Strength And Dose in Ptcb with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Strength And Dose, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Ptcb.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

A patient presents a prescription for: Levothyroxine 125 mcg Sig: Take 1 tablet by mouth daily

Which of the following products should the pharmacy technician select from the shelf to fill this prescription?

  1. Levothyroxine 1.25 mg tablets
  2. Levothyroxine 12.5 mcg tablets
  3. Levothyroxine 125 mcg tablets (correct answer)
  4. Levothyroxine 0.125 mg tablets
Explanation: The correct answer is C because the prescription explicitly states a strength of 125 mcg, and the technician should select the product that matches this strength exactly to avoid confusion and potential dispensing errors. A is incorrect because 1.25 mg equals 1,250 mcg, which is ten times the prescribed dose. B is incorrect because 12.5 mcg is one-tenth of the prescribed dose. D is incorrect because although 0.125 mg is mathematically equivalent to 125 mcg, selecting the product whose label matches the prescription units (mcg) reduces the risk of calculation errors and follows best practices for medication safety.

Question 2

A prescription reads: Timolol maleate 0.5% solution Sig: Instill 1 gtt ou bid

Based on the route of administration indicated in the sig code, which dosage form should be selected?

  1. Otic solution
  2. Oral solution
  3. Ophthalmic solution (correct answer)
  4. Topical solution
Explanation: The correct answer is C. The sig code 'ou' is the Latin abbreviation for oculus uterque, meaning 'both eyes.' Therefore, an ophthalmic (for the eye) dosage form is required. A is incorrect because 'otic' refers to the ear (ad or as). B is incorrect because the instructions are to 'instill,' not to take by mouth. D is incorrect because 'topical' refers to application on the skin, whereas this prescription is for the eyes.

Question 3

A prescription for a child reads: Amoxicillin suspension 400 mg Sig: Take by mouth twice daily for 10 days.

The pharmacy stocks amoxicillin for reconstitution in two concentrations: 250 mg/5 mL and 400 mg/5 mL. Which product should be dispensed?

  1. The 250 mg/5 mL bottle because it is a more common strength.
  2. The 400 mg/5 mL bottle because it allows for a smaller, more convenient dose volume. (correct answer)
  3. Either bottle can be used, so the cheapest one should be selected.
  4. Both bottles should be dispensed with instructions to alternate.
Explanation: The correct answer is B. Dispensing the 400 mg/5 mL concentration allows the patient to take a 5 mL dose to receive the prescribed 400 mg. Using the 250 mg/5 mL concentration would require a dose of 8 mL ( (400 mg / 250 mg) * 5 mL = 8 mL ), which is less convenient and harder to measure accurately than a standard 5 mL teaspoonful. The goal is to match the prescribed dose with the most convenient and accurate administration volume. A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize patient convenience and dosing accuracy.

Question 4

A prescription is received for: Metoprolol Succinate 50 mg Sig: Take 1 tab po daily

Which of the following medications should be selected from the inventory?

  1. Metoprolol Tartrate 25 mg tablets
  2. Metoprolol Succinate 50 mg extended-release tablets (correct answer)
  3. Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg tablets
  4. Metoprolol Succinate 100 mg extended-release tablets
Explanation: The correct answer is B. Metoprolol succinate is an extended-release (ER) formulation, which is consistent with the 'daily' dosing instruction. The prescription specifies both the succinate salt form and the 50 mg strength. A is incorrect because it is the wrong salt (tartrate) and wrong strength. C is incorrect because metoprolol tartrate is an immediate-release formulation, typically dosed twice daily, and is not the salt form prescribed. D is incorrect because it is the wrong strength (100 mg).

Question 5

A prescription for Augmentin 875 mg is presented. The sig is '1 tab PO BID'.

Which product correctly corresponds to this prescription?

  1. Amoxicillin 875 mg / Clavulanate 125 mg (correct answer)
  2. Amoxicillin 500 mg / Clavulanate 125 mg
  3. Amoxicillin 875 mg
  4. Amoxicillin 250 mg / Clavulanate 62.5 mg
Explanation: The correct answer is A. Augmentin is a combination product. 'Augmentin 875 mg' specifically refers to the amoxicillin component. The corresponding product contains 875 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanate potassium. B is incorrect as it is a different strength, commonly known as Augmentin 500. C is incorrect because it is missing the clavulanate component, which is essential for Augmentin's mechanism of action. D is incorrect as it represents a different strength and ratio of the two components.

Question 6

A patient asks for a refill of their Humalog KwikPen. The prescription calls for 12 units to be injected subcutaneously before meals.

Which insulin product should the technician select from the refrigerator?

  1. Humalog U-500 KwikPen (500 units/mL)
  2. Lantus Solostar Pen U-100 (100 units/mL)
  3. Humalog KwikPen U-100 (100 units/mL) (correct answer)
  4. Novolin 70/30 vial (100 units/mL)
Explanation: The correct answer is C. The prescription is for Humalog, which is a rapid-acting insulin. The standard concentration for this insulin is U-100 (100 units/mL). The technician must match the brand name (Humalog), device (KwikPen), and standard concentration (U-100). A is incorrect because U-500 is a highly concentrated insulin reserved for patients with severe insulin resistance and would result in a dangerous overdose if dispensed in error. B is incorrect because Lantus is a long-acting insulin, not the prescribed rapid-acting Humalog. D is incorrect because it is a different type of insulin (a pre-mixed combination) and is in a vial, not the prescribed pen device.

Question 7

A patient presents a prescription for a Medrol Dosepak.

A Medrol Dosepak is a pre-packaged tapered dose regimen. Which of the following accurately describes the contents that should be dispensed?

  1. A blister pack containing 21 tablets of methylprednisolone 4 mg (correct answer)
  2. A bottle containing 30 tablets of prednisone 10 mg
  3. A blister pack containing 42 tablets of prednisone 5 mg
  4. A vial of methylprednisolone acetate for injection
Explanation: The correct answer is A. A Medrol Dosepak is a specific brand name for a pre-packaged dosing regimen containing 21 tablets of methylprednisolone 4 mg, designed for a 6-day tapered schedule. B and C are incorrect as they describe different drugs (prednisone) and quantities. D is incorrect because it is an injectable dosage form, not the oral Dosepak.

Question 8

A prescription is written for Synthroid 0.075 mg daily. The pharmacy's electronic system and shelf labels list the strengths in micrograms (mcg).

Which strength in mcg should the technician select to accurately fill this prescription?

  1. 7.5 mcg
  2. 750 mcg
  3. 0.75 mcg
  4. 75 mcg (correct answer)
Explanation: The correct answer is D. The technician must convert milligrams (mg) to micrograms (mcg). There are 1000 mcg in 1 mg. Therefore, 0.075 mg * 1000 mcg/mg = 75 mcg. The technician should select the 75 mcg strength bottle. A, B, and C are incorrect due to decimal placement errors during the conversion.

Question 9

A physician writes a prescription for a patient experiencing severe chemotherapy-induced nausea. The prescription reads: Ondansetron 8 mg ODT Sig: 1 tab 30 min before chemo, then q8h prn nausea

What dosage form of ondansetron should be dispensed?

  1. Oral tablet
  2. Oral solution
  3. Orally disintegrating tablet (correct answer)
  4. Injectable solution
Explanation: The correct answer is C. 'ODT' is a common abbreviation for Orally Disintegrating Tablet. This dosage form dissolves on the tongue without water, which is ideal for patients who are nauseous or have difficulty swallowing. A, B, and D represent other available dosage forms of ondansetron but are not what was specified by the ODT abbreviation on the prescription.

Question 10

A pharmacist asks a technician to pull a stock vial of heparin to prepare an IV bag. The order requires a dose of 5,000 units.

Which of the following vials would be the most appropriate and safest choice for the technician to select for preparing a single 5,000 unit dose?

  1. Heparin 1,000 units/mL, 10 mL vial
  2. Heparin 10,000 units/mL, 1 mL vial
  3. Heparin 5,000 units/mL, 1 mL vial (correct answer)
  4. Heparin 100 units/mL, 10 mL vial
Explanation: The correct answer is C. Selecting the 5,000 units/mL vial allows the pharmacist to draw up exactly 1 mL to get the required 5,000 unit dose. This minimizes calculation errors and the risk of contamination associated with multiple entries into a vial. A would require drawing up 5 mL, which is a larger volume and less efficient. B contains the correct total amount but is highly concentrated (10,000 units/mL), requiring a small 0.5 mL draw, which increases the risk of an inaccurate dose. It is a high-alert medication concentration. D is a low concentration typically used for flushing lines, not for therapeutic dosing, and would require a very large volume (50 mL).

Question 11

A prescription for an antibiotic suspension requires that the final product dispensed to the patient has a concentration of 250 mg/5 mL.

Which item should the technician select from the shelf to prepare this prescription?

  1. A stock bottle of pre-mixed cephalexin 125 mg/5 mL suspension
  2. A bottle of cephalexin powder for reconstitution that yields a 250 mg/5 mL suspension (correct answer)
  3. A bottle of cephalexin powder for reconstitution that yields a 125 mg/5 mL suspension
  4. A stock bottle of cephalexin 250 mg capsules
Explanation: The correct answer is B. The technician's task is to prepare a suspension with a final concentration of 250 mg/5 mL. This requires selecting the bottle of powder for oral suspension that, when reconstituted with the specified amount of water, will result in this exact concentration. A and C are incorrect because they would result in the wrong final concentration. D is incorrect because capsules are the wrong dosage form and cannot be used to prepare a suspension.

Question 12

A new prescription is received for: Lisinopril 5 mg Sig: Take 1/2 tab by mouth daily

The pharmacy stocks lisinopril in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. All available strengths are scored. Which strength tablet should be dispensed to match the instructions?

  1. Lisinopril 2.5 mg
  2. Lisinopril 5 mg
  3. Lisinopril 10 mg (correct answer)
  4. Lisinopril 20 mg
Explanation: The correct answer is C. The instructions 'Take 1/2 tab' combined with the prescribed dose of '5 mg' indicate that the prescriber wants the patient to split a tablet to get the 5 mg dose. Therefore, a 10 mg tablet, when split in half, provides the correct 5 mg dose. Dispensing the 10 mg strength is necessary to follow the explicit instructions on the prescription. A is incorrect because the patient would need to take two tablets. B is incorrect because the instructions are to take half a tablet, not a whole one. D would provide a 10 mg dose when split, which is incorrect.

Question 13

A prescription is written for 'Ferrous Sulfate gr V'.

Knowing that 'gr V' refers to 5 grains, and the common equivalent strength for this dose, which product should be selected?

  1. Ferrous sulfate 300 mg tablets
  2. Ferrous gluconate 324 mg tablets
  3. Ferrous sulfate 325 mg tablets (correct answer)
  4. Ferrous sulfate 65 mg tablets
Explanation: The correct answer is C. The apothecary abbreviation 'gr V' stands for 5 grains. One grain is approximately 65 mg. Therefore, 5 grains is equivalent to 5 * 65 mg = 325 mg. Ferrous sulfate 325 mg is the standard commercially available product that corresponds to a 5-grain dose. A is an incorrect strength. B is the wrong iron salt (gluconate). D represents the amount of elemental iron in a 325 mg tablet, not the total salt strength.

Question 14

A prescription is written for 'Anusol-HC 1 supp PR bid'.

Based on the prescription, which dosage form should the technician select?

  1. Rectal cream
  2. Vaginal suppository
  3. Oral tablet
  4. Rectal suppository (correct answer)
Explanation: The correct answer is D. The abbreviation 'supp' stands for suppository, and 'PR' stands for per rectum, meaning rectally. Therefore, a rectal suppository is the correct dosage form. A is incorrect because the dosage form is a suppository, not a cream. B is incorrect because the route is rectal, not vaginal. C is an incorrect dosage form and route of administration.

Question 15

A hospital order for an 80 kg patient reads: Enoxaparin 1 mg/kg SC q12h

The pharmacy stocks enoxaparin prefilled syringes in the following strengths: 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg, and 120 mg. Which strength syringe should be dispensed for one dose?

  1. 60 mg
  2. 80 mg (correct answer)
  3. 100 mg
  4. 120 mg
Explanation: The correct answer is B. First, calculate the required dose for the patient: 80 kg * 1 mg/kg = 80 mg. The technician should then select the prefilled syringe that contains this exact dose to avoid medication errors associated with expelling part of a dose from a syringe. The 80 mg prefilled syringe is the correct product to dispense. A, C, and D are incorrect strengths for this patient's weight-based dose.

Question 16

A dermatologist's prescription reads: Triamcinolone 0.1% ointment Sig: Apply to affected area bid

The technician goes to the shelf to select the product. Which of the following should be chosen?

  1. Triamcinolone 0.1% cream
  2. Triamcinolone 0.025% ointment
  3. Triamcinolone 0.5% ointment
  4. Triamcinolone 0.1% ointment (correct answer)
Explanation: The correct answer is D because it matches both the strength (0.1%) and the dosage form (ointment) specified on the prescription. A is incorrect because the prescription calls for an ointment, not a cream. Ointments and creams are different topical dosage forms with different bases and properties. B and C are incorrect because they are the wrong strengths.

Question 17

A prescription for albuterol has the following instructions: 'Inhale 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed for shortness of breath.'

Based on these instructions, which type of albuterol product should be dispensed?

  1. Albuterol solution for nebulization
  2. Albuterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) (correct answer)
  3. Albuterol dry-powder inhaler (DPI)
  4. Albuterol oral syrup
Explanation: The correct answer is B. The instruction 'inhale 2 puffs' specifically refers to the use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), which delivers a measured amount of medication per actuation (puff). A is incorrect because nebulizer solutions are administered as a mist over several minutes, not in puffs. C is incorrect because dry-powder inhalers require a deep, fast inhalation of powder, and while they deliver doses, the term 'puff' is most classically associated with MDIs. D is incorrect because it is the wrong dosage form and route of administration.

Question 18

A prescription reads: Ciprodex suspension Sig: 4 gtts ad tid x 7d

The abbreviation 'ad' in the instructions indicates the medication is for the ear. Which dosage form should be selected?

  1. Ophthalmic suspension
  2. Otic suspension (correct answer)
  3. Oral suspension
  4. Nasal spray
Explanation: The correct answer is B. The abbreviation 'ad' stands for auris dextra, which means 'right ear.' Therefore, an otic (for the ear) dosage form is required. Ciprodex is a commonly prescribed otic suspension. A is incorrect because ophthalmic products are for the eye. Otic preparations should never be used in the eye. C and D are incorrect routes of administration.

Question 19

A prescription is received for a fentanyl patch with instructions to apply one patch every 72 hours. The strength specified is 25 mcg/hr.

Which product should be selected?

  1. Fentanyl 25 mg lozenge
  2. Fentanyl transdermal patch, 12 mcg/hr
  3. Fentanyl transdermal patch, 25 mcg/hr (correct answer)
  4. Fentanyl transdermal patch, 25 mg/hr
Explanation: The correct answer is C. The prescription is for a transdermal patch with a delivery rate of 25 micrograms per hour (mcg/hr). The technician must select the product that matches the drug, dosage form, and strength/delivery rate. A is incorrect because it is the wrong dosage form (lozenge) and strength unit (mg vs mcg). B is incorrect as it is the wrong strength (12 mcg/hr). D is incorrect because the unit is mg/hr, which would be a massive and fatal overdose; the correct unit is mcg/hr.