PTCB PTCE Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

✓ Correct answer: C. All electronic records must be maintained for at least three years.

Records associated with electronic controlled substance prescriptions must be maintained for at least two years.

✓ Correct answer: C. All of the above

All of the above medications may be destroyed by a pharmacy with blanket authorization to destroy controlled substances. These medications must be destroyed using a method that results in leaving the medication in a state that it cannot be used. If a pharmacy technician is performing the destruction, they must have a pharmacist or nurse witness the action.

✓ Correct answer: C. Orange

The primary reference for therapeutic equivalence is the FDA's Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, commonly known as the Orange Book. It is the official source that provides standards, which dictate drug equivalence.

✓ Correct answer: D. Ease of pronunciation

When considering whether to include a specific drug for inclusion on a PDL, the committee examines drug safety, drug efficacy, and cost. However, the pronunciation of the medication's name has no bearing. A medication may be hard to say and still included because it is an effective medication at a reasonable cost!.

✓ Correct answer: C. the patient is experiencing no adverse effects from the medication

In addition to certain types of drugs, certain scenarios increase the need for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), such as: the patient is taking a normal dose, but doesn't seem to have a therapeutic response.<br/><br/>The healthcare provider is unsure if the patient is taking the medication like he/she ought.<br/><br/>The patient is experiencing many adverse effects from the medication.<br/><br/>The healthcare provider suspects interaction of the drug with other medications.<br/><br/>The patient needs to be slowly weaned off of a medication.

✓ Correct answer: C. powder; water; water

Amoxicillin oral suspension comes as a powder for reconstitution. Water must be added in a two-step fashion, and the bottle must be shaken vigorously to ensure thorough, uniform mixing. Ethyl alcohol is not used to reconstitute oral suspensions.

✓ Correct answer: D. Loratadine

Loratadine is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is classified as an antihistamine. Antihistamines are drugs that help to relieve allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic reactions. Loratadine works by preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, thus reducing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.<br/><br/>Option A (Pseudoephedrine) is not classified as an antihistamine. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that helps to relieve nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages. It does not have any direct effect on histamine or allergy symptoms.<br/><br/>Option C (Dextromethorphan) is not classified as an antihistamine either. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that helps to alleviate coughing by acting on the cough center in the brain. It does not have any antihistamine properties.<br/><br/>Option D (Guaifenesin) is not an antihistamine medication. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. It is commonly used to relieve coughing associated with respiratory conditions, but it does not have any antihistamine effects.

✓ Correct answer: D. dispensing advice

The job duties of a pharmacy technician encompass verifying drug deliveries, storing drugs, rotating stock, ordering drugs, and maintaining inventory records, among other tasks. However, pharmacy technicians are not authorized to counsel or provide medical information or advice to patients, as this falls under the purview of the pharmacist.

✓ Correct answer: D. Sublingual tablet

A sublingual tablet is not categorized as a delayed-release dosage form because it is designed to dissolve under the tongue and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This bypasses the need for gastric absorption, allowing for quicker onset of action.<br/><br/>Option A (Controlled release): Controlled release dosage forms are designed to release the active ingredient slowly and steadily over an extended period of time. These formulations are commonly used to maintain consistent drug levels in the body and prolong the duration of therapeutic effect.<br/><br/>Option B (Repository): Repository dosage forms are designed to release the active ingredient gradually over time, typically from an implant or depot within the body. These formulations are often used for long-term drug delivery or to provide sustained release of a medication.<br/><br/>Option D (Time release): Time-release dosage forms are designed to release the active ingredient at specific intervals or time points, allowing for controlled drug delivery. These formulations are commonly used to provide sustained drug action and avoid frequent dosing.<br/><br/>In summary, while options A, B, and D are all categorized as delayed-release dosage forms, option C (sublingual tablet) is not.

✓ Correct answer: C. Ask the pharmacist to call the doctor to see which strength he wanted.

If a doctor omits the strength of a medication on the prescription, the best course of action is to contact the doctor to confirm the intended strength, unless the drug is only available in one strength.