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ExCPT
ExCPT Notes
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the primary responsibilities of a pharmacy technician in managing inventory? | Monitoring stock levels, placing orders, receiving shipments, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring medications are stored correctly. |
| How does a perpetual inventory system differ from a periodic inventory system? | A perpetual system updates inventory levels in real-time with each transaction, while a periodic system updates at set intervals. |
| What is the importance of maintaining a par level in inventory management? | Par levels ensure the pharmacy maintains an optimal amount of stock to prevent shortages or overstocking. |
| Which strategies can help prevent overstocking or understocking medications? | Regular inventory audits, monitoring usage trends, setting par levels, and using automated systems for ordering. |
| How do automated inventory systems improve efficiency in pharmacies? | They provide real-time tracking, reduce errors, streamline reordering, and help manage expiration dates. |
| What steps should a pharmacy technician follow when placing medication orders? | Verify stock levels, prepare a purchase order, ensure the order aligns with par levels, and review for accuracy. |
| How should a technician verify an order against the invoice upon receipt? | Check the shipment for correct medications, quantities, lot numbers, and expiration dates, and match them to the invoice. |
| What actions should be taken if a discrepancy is found in an order? | Notify the supplier immediately, document the discrepancy, and follow the pharmacy’s protocol for resolving issues. |
| Why is it essential to check the storage conditions (temperature, humidity) of medications upon receipt? | Medications exposed to improper conditions may lose potency or become unsafe for use. |
| How should controlled substances be handled differently during the ordering and receiving process? | Controlled substances must be checked, signed for by a licensed pharmacist, and documented in a controlled substance log. |
| What is the "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) method, and why is it used in pharmacies? | FIFO ensures that older stock is used before newer stock, reducing the likelihood of expiration and waste. |
| How can proper stock rotation minimize medication wastage? | It ensures that medications nearing expiration are used first, reducing the chance of disposing of unused expired stock. |
| What is the importance of checking for expiration dates during stock rotation? | To ensure that no expired or near-expired medications are dispensed to patients. |
| What should a pharmacy technician do if older stock is discovered during rotation? | Move it to the front of the shelf to ensure it is used first, provided it is still within the expiration date. |
| How can automated systems aid in stock rotation practices? | They can flag items nearing expiration and optimize inventory placement to prioritize their use. |
| How often should pharmacy technicians check for expired medications? | At least monthly or according to pharmacy policy. |
| What are the potential consequences of dispensing expired medications to patients? | Reduced efficacy, potential harm, or adverse reactions to the patient. |
| Why is it essential to monitor expiration dates for medications stored in emergency kits? | Emergency kits must always contain potent and effective medications for critical situations. |
| How should medications that are nearing expiration be handled? | They should be flagged, moved to the front for priority use, or returned to the manufacturer if possible. |
| What is the significance of the beyond-use date (BUD) in compounding? | The BUD indicates the time frame within which a compounded medication remains safe and effective for use. |
| What is the proper procedure for disposing of expired controlled substances? | Follow DEA regulations, such as using reverse distributors, and document the disposal in a controlled substance log. |
| How does the FDA recommend disposing of unused or expired medications? | Use a drug take-back program or follow specific disposal instructions on the drug label or patient leaflet. |
| Why is it important to avoid disposing of medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet? | To prevent environmental contamination and accidental exposure to humans or animals. |
| What role do drug take-back programs play in the disposal of expired drugs? | They provide a safe, eco-friendly method for disposing of medications and reduce the risk of misuse. |
| How should expired hazardous drugs be handled differently from non-hazardous drugs? | Expired hazardous drugs must be disposed of as hazardous waste according to OSHA and EPA guidelines to avoid environmental and health risks. |