Question 1

A drug monograph or official label should include all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

A drug monograph includes comprehensive information on a medication's actions and also lists generic and trade names, ingredients, dosages, side effects, adverse effects, how the patient should take the medication, and foods or other drugs (e.g., over-the-counter [OTC] medications, herbals) to avoid while taking the medication.

Question 2

Which reference book is a compilation of package inserts from manufacturers who have paid a fee to have their drugs included?

Accepted Answer

Each drug referenced in the PDR has a complete description, including its chemical structure and study results. The PDR is a compilation of package inserts (official labels) provided by manufacturers who have paid a fee for inclusion into this reference; not all package inserts are included.

Question 3

The United States Pharmacopoeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) provides access to the official standards of the:

Accepted Answer

The USP-NF provides access to official standards of the FDA. It is a guide for the specifications-tests, procedures, and acceptance criteria-required for pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control.

Question 4

The reference book to use when looking for average and wholesale drug costs and prices is:

Accepted Answer

One of the longest published reference guides is Red Book Drug Topics, a good source of information pertaining to average and wholesale drug costs and prices.

Question 5

The primary condition for which a medication is used is called the:

Accepted Answer

The indication lists the main conditions for which the chemical is used.

Question 6

Generic names:

Accepted Answer

A generic name is a nonproprietary name of a drug. Generic drug names do not typically contain J or W because these two letters do not exist in the languages of many countries outside of the United States that use generic drugs. Technically, all generic drug names are spelled in lowercase letters.

Question 7

Technicians should have their own:

Accepted Answer

It is becoming more important for technicians to carry a good pocket guide not only of trade and generic names but also of drug classifications, indications, and side effects.

Question 8

Pharmacy journals contain information about:

Accepted Answer

Journals and newsletters may be published monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, or even weekly and contain articles on new drugs, technicians, the future of pharmacy, and various legislative changes that may be taking place

Question 9

Which of the following is not a section in the reference book Drug Facts and Comparisons?

Accepted Answer

The five sections in Drug Facts and Comparisons are the index, keeping up, drug monographs, drug identification, and appendix.

Question 10

NDC stands for:

Accepted Answer

NDC means National Drug Code, which identifies each drug by a number.

Question 11

The category of a drug, which is based on its chemical structure, mechanism of action, anatomic function, and/or therapeutic use, is called its:

Accepted Answer

The classification of a drug places the drug into proper categories based on its chemical structure, its mechanism of action, its anatomic function, and/or its therapeutic use.

Question 12

The benefit(s) of online resources is(are):

Accepted Answer

Electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets are becoming more popular and economical. An assortment of drug databases and other reference materials can be downloaded onto a handheld device for easy access. Many databases with up-to-date information and links are also available and are valuable tools to keep members updated with accurate information.

Question 13

Technicians should be familiar with reference books, enabling them to find information and have it ready for the:

Accepted Answer

Although technicians cannot relay information to physicians or nurses, they can find information and have it ready for the pharmacist.

Question 14

The generic ending olol indicates the drug is a(an):

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers end in olol. These agents are primarily used to treat high blood pressure.

Question 15

The information on the label of a syrup formulation, "Do Not Use in Diabetics" is considered a(an):

Accepted Answer

A list of contraindications identifies the types of persons who should not be given the medication. Reasons may range from certain serious drug-drug interactions to conditions that conflict with the action of the drug. Those who are diabetic need sugar-free formulations.

Question 16

What can a pharmacy technician tell about the medication atenolol (Tenormin) from the way the name is written?

Accepted Answer

Technically, all generic drug names are spelled in lowercase letters, as opposed to trade or brand names, which are capitalized. For example, atenolol is the generic name, and Tenormin is the brand name.

Question 17

Which reference book is a comprehensive listing of medication bioequivalence?

Accepted Answer

The Orange Book, provided by the FDA, is a comprehensive listing of approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations.

Question 18

OBC:

Accepted Answer

OBC stands for Orange Book code, which identifies therapeutic equivalence among medications.

Question 19

Why should technicians join a professional organization?

Accepted Answer

Some technician divisions of professional organizations are active in supplying continuing education courses to technicians and host various functions for networking and unifying pharmacy technicians from different types of pharmacies. All of these organizations offer technicians a great way to stay current on new drugs, devices, and current and future pharmacy issues.

Question 20

Which of the following reference books would a technician most likely use in a retail setting?

Accepted Answer

Mostly used in the hospital setting, the Handbook on Injectable Drugs, by Lawrence A. Trissel, is a well-known reference used for information on parenteral agents. Primarily used by hospitals, AHFS Drug Information by ASHP provides drug monographs that list drug information. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences covers the entire scope of pharmacy-from the history of pharmacy and ethics to the specifics of industrial pharmacy and pharmacy practice. One of the longest published reference guides is Red Book Drug Topics, which is a good source of information pertaining to average and wholesale drug costs and prices.

Quiz 7: Drug Information References