PTCB PTCE Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

Which system of measurement was once used in the practice of pharmacy to measure both volume and weight?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

apothecary system. The apothecary system was once used in the practice of pharmacy to measure both volume and weight. This system originated in medieval Europe and was used until the mid-20th century. It was based on the use of various units and measurements, including drams, scruples, grains, fluid ounces, pints, and pounds. Pharmacists using the apothecary system had to be familiar with these measurements and be able to convert between them accurately.

Question 2

How much active ingredient is present in a tablespoon of amoxicillin 250mg/5ml suspension?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

750mg. There is 750mg of active ingredient present in 1 tablespoon of amoxicillin 250mg/5ml suspension. Here’s how the answer was reached:

1 Tablespoon = 15ml
There are 250mg in 5ml
15/5 = 3
250 x 3 = 750mg.

Question 3

What does the third segment of numbers in the National Drug Code represent?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Package code. The third segment of the NDC is the package code. The package code is used to identify the package size and type.

Question 4

Which of the following is a solution administered rectally for the purposes of drug administration or cleansing?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Enema. Enemas are commonly prescribed to patients for help with evacuation of feces and cleansing. They are sometimes used with other medications to ensure evacuation prior to medical procedures.

Question 5

How can you verify that a patient has coverage with an insurance company?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

All of the above. All of the above choices are options for verifying insurance coverage. The company can be contacted by phone or on their website, if they have one available. It is also possible to check coverage by billing a prescription to them, but this may only be done if the patient is filling a prescription, as billing the insurance company for false claims would be considered insurance fraud.

Question 6

As a compounding pharmacy technician, you have to mix two ingredients of unequal quantities together beginning with the smallest quantity.

Which technique should you use?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Geometric dilution. When two ingredients of unequal quantities are mixed together, beginning with the smallest quantity and adding an equal quantity of the larger amount until all ingredients are used, is the technique called geometric dilution. Trituration is when a solid substance is ground into fine particles. Combing of two substances is blending.

Question 7

Why do insurance companies require prior authorizations for certain medications?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

To ensure patients are treated with the most cost effective treatment option. Prior authorizations are required by insurance companies to ensure treatment occurs in a stepwise, cost-effective approach. Patients should try lesser expensive options before trying more expensive treatment options. This process decreases costs to the patients, and the healthcare system as a whole. If a patient has tried and failed the less expensive treatments, the doctor can request coverage for a more expensive option through the prior authorization process.

Question 8

Even if you confirm you are using the right medication and dosage from your stock bottle, what other information should you check before filling the prescription?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Expiration. Even if you have the correct medication to fill the prescription, you need to double check the expiration date. While you should use the oldest medication in stock first, never use expired medicine. It can be ineffective or dangerous.

Question 9

An echocardiogram utilizes which of the following?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Sound waves. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart.

Question 10

The regulatory agency responsible for the potential issuance of a drug recall is:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

FDA. The regulatory agency responsible for the potential issuance of a drug recall is the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The FDA is a government agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, cosmetics, and other products.

Option A (BOP) is incorrect. BOP stands for Bureau of Prisons. The Bureau of Prisons is a federal agency under the Department of Justice responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates.

Option B (DEA) is incorrect. DEA stands for Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Justice responsible for combating the illegal drug trade and enforcing the controlled substances laws of the United States.

Option D (TJC) is incorrect. TJC stands for The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the United States. It focuses on patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare settings, but it is not responsible for drug recalls.

In summary, the correct regulatory agency responsible for the potential issuance of a drug recall is the FDA, while the wrong options (A, B, and D) do not have regulatory authority over drug recalls.

PTCB PTCE Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

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