PTCE Sample Questions & Answers

Breaking down the sig code:

• 'ii gtts' = 2 drops (guttae)
• 'od' = right eye (oculus dexter)
• 'q4h' = every 4 hours
• 'x 7d' = for 7 days
  Therefore, the correct instruction is to instill 2 drops in the right eye every 4 hours for 7 days.

This problem is solved using alligation.

1. Set up the tic-tac-toe grid: Higher concentration (5%) top left, lower concentration (1%) bottom left, desired concentration (1.5%) in the middle.
2. Subtract diagonally: |1 - 1.5| = 0.5 parts of the 5% ointment. |5 - 1.5| = 3.5 parts of the 1% ointment.
3. Total parts = 0.5 + 3.5 = 4 parts.
4. Calculate the amount of 5% ointment needed: (0.5 parts / 4 total parts) * 180 g total = 22.5 g.

The sig codes are translated as follows:

• 'ii gtts' = two drops
• 'ad' = right ear (auris dextra). Wait, the prescription is for OPHTHALMIC solution. 'ad' here means right EAR. But ophthalmic is for eye. This is a common point of confusion and error. However, the standard Latin for right eye is 'od' (oculus dexter). Given it's an ophthalmic solution, the intent is likely the eye. Let's re-examine the options. Ah, my initial thought process found the trap. 'ad' is right EAR. 'od' is right EYE. 'as' is left ear. 'os' is left eye. Therefore, the prescription as written is ambiguous and potentially dangerous. However, in the context of a multiple-choice question, we must choose the most likely interpretation or the one that correctly decodes the abbreviation. The abbreviation 'ad' strictly means 'auris dextra' or right ear. But no sane person prescribes eye drops for the ear with that sig. Let's assume it's a typo for 'od'. No, wait, I see my mistake. I misread the question. The question has 'ad' but the options have left ear, right eye, both eyes, both ears. Let me re-read the sig provided in the question: 'ii gtts ad qid x 7d'. The provided correct answer says 'right eye'. This means the question implicitly assumes 'ad' is a typo for 'od' OR that in some contexts this is accepted. But the strict definition must be followed. 'ad' is right ear. 'od' is right eye. Let me correct my own internal logic. A well-written question would not have this ambiguity. Let me assume the question meant 'od'. Re-reading the question text one more time: 'ii gtts ad qid x 7d'. Re-reading my explanation: I am overthinking the potential for a trick. Let's decode it straight. ii gtts = 2 drops. ad = right ear. qid = four times a day. x 7d = for 7 days. This would be 'Instill two drops in the right ear...'. But it's an ophthalmic solution. A technician must recognize this discrepancy and ask the pharmacist. Since that is not an option, we choose the option that fits the route of administration. The only logical choice is the eye. Let's assume 'ad' was a typo by the prescriber. Which option makes the most sense? Right eye. Let me check the provided answer key again. Ah, the intended answer is B. 'Instill two drops in the right eye four times a day for 7 days.' This confirms the question assumes a common prescriber error where 'ad' is used for 'right eye'. Let me rewrite the explanation to be more direct.

Corrected Explanation: The sig codes are translated as follows:

• 'ii gtts' = two drops
• 'ad' = auris dextra (right ear). HOWEVER, this is an OPHTHALMIC solution for the eye. This is a common but dangerous prescriber error, where 'ad' is mistakenly used instead of 'od' (oculus dexter, right eye).
• 'qid' = four times a day
• 'x 7d' = for 7 days
  Given the dosage form is for the eye, the only logical interpretation is for the right eye. A technician should clarify this with the pharmacist, but for the exam, this is the expected interpretation.

First, determine the number of tablets per day. The total daily dose is 750 mg, and each tablet is 250 mg. Therefore, the patient takes 750 mg / 250 mg/tablet = 3 tablets per day. The sig 'i-ii tabs po tid' (take 1 to 2 tablets by mouth three times a day) is a range, but the calculated daily dose determines the actual usage. To calculate the days supply: Total quantity dispensed / tablets per day = 90 tablets / 3 tablets/day = 30 days.

Both sertraline (an SSRI) and tramadol have serotonergic activity, meaning they increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Using them together significantly increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and muscle rigidity. This is a critical interaction that requires pharmacist intervention.

This is a multi-step calculation:

1. Convert patient's weight from pounds to kilograms:
   44 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg = 20 kg

2. Calculate the total required dose in milligrams:
   50 mg/kg * 20 kg = 1000 mg of magnesium sulfate

3. Determine the concentration of the stock solution:
   A 50% (w/v) solution means 50 grams per 100 mL.
   50 g / 100 mL = 50,000 mg / 100 mL = 500 mg/mL

4. Calculate the volume to withdraw from the stock vial:
   (Required dose) / (Stock concentration) = Volume to withdraw
   1000 mg / 500 mg/mL = 2.0 mL

Therefore, the technician must withdraw 2.0 mL of the 50% magnesium sulfate solution.

Using the alligation method:

1. Set up the tic-tac-toe grid. Place the higher concentration (5%) in the top left, the lower concentration (1%) in the bottom left, and the desired concentration (2.5%) in the center.
2. Subtract diagonally:

• 5 - 2.5 = 2.5 (parts of the 1% ointment)
• 2.5 - 1 = 1.5 (parts of the 5% ointment)

3. Determine the total number of parts: 2.5 parts + 1.5 parts = 4 total parts.
4. Calculate the amount of 5% ointment needed:

• (1.5 parts of 5% / 4 total parts) * 120 g total weight = 45 g.
  Therefore, 45 grams of the 5% ointment are needed. (You would also need 75 grams of the 1% ointment).

The sig code breaks down as follows:

• 'i-ii caps': 1 to 2 capsules (using lowercase Roman numerals)
• 'po': by mouth
• 'q': every
• 'iv-vi h': 4 to 6 hours (using lowercase Roman numerals)
• 'prn': as needed
• 'pain': for pain
  Combining these elements gives the correct instruction: 'Take 1 to 2 capsules by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.'

The formula for IV flow rate is: (Total Volume in mL * Drop Factor in gtt/mL) / (Total Time in minutes) = Flow Rate in gtt/min.

1. Calculate total time in minutes: 8 hours * 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes.
2. Plug values into the formula: (1000 mL * 15 gtt/mL) / 480 min
3. Solve: 15000 gtt / 480 min = 31.25 gtt/min.
4. Round to the nearest whole number: 31 gtt/min.

'Ascites' is the medical term for the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen. 'Hepatic cirrhosis' refers to scarring of the liver. In patients with cirrhosis, the liver damage can lead to ascites. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to help the body eliminate this excess fluid. Understanding this terminology provides context for the prescription and reinforces the medication's intended use.