ExCPT Test ExCPT Drug Storage and Inventory Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which agency regulates the disposal of pharmaceutical hazardous waste in the United States?
- DEA
- FDA
- EPA (Correct answer)
- CMS
Correct answer: EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pharmaceutical hazardous waste disposal under RCRA regulations.
Question 2: A pharmacy technician notices a drug recall notice for a specific lot number. What is the FIRST action to take?
- Discard the product immediately
- Identify and quarantine all affected stock on the shelf (Correct answer)
- Notify patients who may have received the drug
- Contact the manufacturer for a replacement
Correct answer: Identify and quarantine all affected stock on the shelf
The first step in a recall is to identify and quarantine affected product to prevent further dispensing.
Question 3: What is a 'par level' in pharmacy inventory management?
- The maximum amount of a drug that can be ordered at once
- The minimum stock quantity that triggers a reorder (Correct answer)
- The expiration date tracking threshold
- The DEA quota for controlled substances
Correct answer: The minimum stock quantity that triggers a reorder
A par level is the minimum inventory quantity below which a reorder is placed to prevent stockouts.
Question 4: Which storage requirement applies to nitroglycerin tablets?
- Store in the refrigerator at 2–8°C
- Store in original glass container, away from heat and light (Correct answer)
- Store frozen at -20°C
- No special storage requirements
Correct answer: Store in original glass container, away from heat and light
Nitroglycerin tablets must be stored in the original glass container, protected from heat, light, and moisture, as they are highly volatile.
Question 5: What is the required DEA form for reporting the theft or significant loss of controlled substances?
- DEA Form 222
- DEA Form 41
- DEA Form 106 (Correct answer)
- DEA Form 224
Correct answer: DEA Form 106
DEA Form 106 must be filed to report theft or significant loss of controlled substances.
Question 6: Which type of drug return requires completion of DEA Form 41?
- Expired Schedule III–V medications for destruction (Correct answer)
- OTC medications returned by patients
- Refrigerated biologics past expiration
- Recalled brand-name drugs
Correct answer: Expired Schedule III–V medications for destruction
DEA Form 41 is used when a pharmacy destroys expired, damaged, or unwanted Schedule II–V controlled substances.
ExCPT Test ExCPT Drug Storage and Inventory Management 2
Which agency regulates the disposal of pharmaceutical hazardous waste in the United States?