Free Practice Questions for PTCB PTCE Exam

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)is used to treatpernicious anemia, a condition caused byVitamin B12 deficiencydue to the body’s inability to absorb it properly.

Pernicious anemiais an autoimmune disorder where the stomach does not produceintrinsic factor, a protein needed for Vitamin B12 absorption.

Symptoms includefatigue, weakness, neurological issues (numbness, tingling), and megaloblastic anemia.

Cyanocobalamin is given viaIM injection or high-dose oral supplementation.

(A) Pernicious anemia✅Correct – Cyanocobalamin is the primary treatment.

(B) Alcohol withdrawal❌Incorrect – Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is used for alcohol withdrawal, not cyanocobalamin.

(C) Hypothyroidism❌Incorrect – Treated withlevothyroxine (Synthroid), not Vitamin B12.

(D) Narrow-angle glaucoma❌Incorrect – Treated withtimolol, acetazolamide, or surgery, not cyanocobalamin.

Cyanocobalamin Prescribing Information (NIH): https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607038.html

PTCB Exam Content Outline – Disease States & Medications

Key Facts About Cyanocobalamin & Pernicious Anemia:Analysis of Answer Choices:References for Pharmacy Technicians:

Root-Cause Analysis (RCA)is asystematic processused inhealthcare and pharmacy settingstoidentify the underlying factors that contributed to an error or safety event. RCA helps pharmacy staff determinewhy a problem occurredand implement corrective actions toprevent future occurrences.

Identify the problem or event.

Gather and analyze data.

Determine the root cause(s).

Develop and implement corrective actions.

Monitor for improvement and prevention of recurrence.

A. Determine which medication should be dispensed→ Incorrect; RCA is focused onerror investigation, not routine dispensing decisions.

B. Decipher prescriber handwriting during order entry→ Incorrect; this is not the purpose of RCA, though poor handwriting may be identified as a contributing factor in an error.

C. Increase pharmacy revenue and inventory turnover→ Incorrect; RCA is aboutpatient safety and error prevention, not financial performance.

Steps in Root-Cause Analysis (RCA):Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices) RCA Guidelines

FDA Medication Error Prevention Strategies

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Quality Assurance & Medication Safety)

AZ-Pakrefers to theAzithromycin 5-day therapy pack, which is commonly prescribed forbacterial infectionssuch as respiratory infections. The standard dosing regimen follows a"loading dose" strategyto quickly reach effective drug levels in the body:

Day 1:Taketwo tablets (500 mg total).

Days 2-5:Takeone tablet (250 mg) daily.

This regimen helps achieverapid therapeutic concentrationswhile maintaining effectiveness over five days.

A. 1 tablet PO on the current day, then 1 PO daily for 4 days→ Incorrect; aloading dose (2 tablets on Day 1)is required for proper drug efficacy.

B. 1 tablet PO on the current day, then 1 PO daily for 5 days→ Incorrect; the Z-Pak is a5-day regimen, not 6 days.

D. 3 tablets PO on the current day, then 1 PO every other day for 6 days→ Incorrect; this isnot a standard dosing regimenfor azithromycin.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

FDA Drug Monograph for Azithromycin (Z-Pak)

Lexicomp Drug Guide – Azithromycin Dosing

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmacology – Infectious Disease Medications)

Pharmacy technician scope of practice is defined by state regulation and generally includes technical functions under a pharmacist’s supervision. In many states, technicians may initiate transfers of non-controlled prescriptions (often technician-to-technician) as part of the dispensing workflow. Activities such as patient counseling (A), clinical review (B), and approving the validity of controlled prescriptions (D) are considered professional/judgmental tasks and are reserved for the pharmacist.

References (Pharmacy Technician documents / Study Guides):

• NABP Model State Pharmacy Act—differentiation of pharmacist vs. technician duties.

• PTCB/ExCPT role delineation: technician tasks include processing, data entry, and certain communications (e.g., non-controlled transfers) under pharmacist supervision; clinical judgment and counseling are pharmacist-only.

• State practice act summaries frequently used in technician training modules regarding transfers and controlled vs. non-controlled prescriptions.

Lisinopril is anangiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, commonly used forhypertension (high blood pressure)andheart failure. A well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors is apersistent dry, hacking cough.

The cough is caused bybradykinin accumulation, which occurs due to ACE inhibition.

This coughdoes not respond to cough suppressantsand can be bothersome for patients.

If the cough is severe, thepharmacist may recommend switching to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) such as losartan, which does not cause this side effect.

B. Purchase fexofenadine for seasonal allergies❌→ No significant interaction between lisinopril and fexofenadine.

C. Mention that they have lowered their cholesterol❌→ Cholesterol levels do not affect lisinopril’s mechanism of action.

D. Report that their blood pressure has been normal lately❌→ This is expected with effective treatment and does not require pharmacist intervention unless the patient wants to discontinue the medication.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers drug interactions, side effects, and patient counseling.

American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines– Lists ACE inhibitor side effects, including dry cough.

FDA Lisinopril Medication Guide– Mentions dry cough as a common adverse effect requiring pharmacist consultation.

Why is the Cough Significant?Why Not the Other Options?Key References: