ExCPT Test Prescription Dispensing Process 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A physician writes 'DAW 1' on a prescription. What does this instruct the pharmacy to do?
- Dispense the generic equivalent to reduce cost
- Dispense exactly as written — the brand-name product only (Correct answer)
- Dispense and allow substitution at the pharmacist's discretion
- Delay dispensing until prior authorization is obtained
Correct answer: Dispense exactly as written — the brand-name product only
DAW 1 (Dispense As Written, physician mandated) means the prescriber requires the brand-name drug specifically. Generic substitution is not permitted regardless of formulary preference.
Question 2: A prescription reads: 'Metformin 500 mg — Take 1 tablet twice daily — Qty: 60.' How many days supply should the pharmacy enter?
- 15 days
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 45 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 30 days
The patient takes 2 tablets per day (1 twice daily). 60 tablets ÷ 2 tablets/day = 30 days supply. Accurate days supply entry is critical for insurance billing and refill timing.
Question 3: During the dispensing process, the pharmacy system generates a Drug Utilization Review (DUR) alert for a potential drug-drug interaction. What is the technician's MOST appropriate response?
- Override the alert and continue filling since the prescriber ordered it
- Cancel the prescription and send it back to the patient
- Bring the alert to the pharmacist's attention before dispensing (Correct answer)
- Call the prescriber directly to discuss the interaction
Correct answer: Bring the alert to the pharmacist's attention before dispensing
DUR alerts must be reviewed by the pharmacist, who has the clinical authority to evaluate the interaction and decide whether to proceed, contact the prescriber, or counsel the patient. Technicians do not make that clinical judgment.
Question 4: A patient requests a transfer of a Schedule III controlled substance prescription to a different pharmacy. How many times may a Schedule III–V prescription be transferred?
- It cannot be transferred at all
- One time only (Correct answer)
- Up to three times within six months
- Unlimited times until the refills are exhausted
Correct answer: One time only
Federal law allows Schedule III–V prescriptions to be transferred only once between pharmacies. An exception exists for pharmacies sharing a real-time online database, where transfers may equal the number of refills remaining.
Question 5: After filling a prescription for an antibiotic suspension, the pharmacy technician should affix which auxiliary label to alert the patient about storage?
- 'Take with food or milk'
- 'Refrigerate — Do not freeze' (Correct answer)
- 'Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight'
- 'May cause drowsiness — Use caution when driving'
Correct answer: 'Refrigerate — Do not freeze'
Most reconstituted antibiotic suspensions (e.g., amoxicillin, azithromycin) require refrigeration after mixing to maintain potency. The correct auxiliary label reminds patients of this requirement.
Question 6: A prescription for a new patient arrives with no date of birth listed. Why is obtaining this information essential before dispensing?
- It is required only for controlled substances, not routine prescriptions
- It allows the pharmacist to verify the correct drug formulation and dose for the patient's age (Correct answer)
- It is needed solely for insurance billing purposes
- It is optional if the patient verbally confirms the medication name
Correct answer: It allows the pharmacist to verify the correct drug formulation and dose for the patient's age
Date of birth is used to verify patient identity, confirm age-appropriate dosing (e.g., pediatric vs. adult formulations), and ensure the prescription belongs to the correct individual — all critical safety steps before dispensing.
ExCPT Test Prescription Dispensing Process 1
A physician writes 'DAW 1' on a prescription.
What does this instruct the pharmacy to do?