MCQ Quiz: Topical Compounding

Topical compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for the skin to meet the unique needs of individual patients. This practice, a key skill for pharmacists, is governed by strict quality standards outlined in United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter <795> to ensure product quality and patient safety. As covered in courses like Drug Delivery Systems and applied in the *Experiential Education* curriculum, “, pharmacists must be proficient in the techniques, calculations, and regulatory standards involved in creating these specialized preparations. This quiz will test your knowledge on the principles of non-sterile topical compounding.

1. Which USP General Chapter provides the primary standards for non-sterile compounding?

• a. USP <797>
• b. USP <800>
• c. USP <795>
• d. USP <71>

Answer: c. USP <795>

2. The process of grinding a powder in a mortar to reduce its particle size is known as:

• a. Levigation
• b. Spatulation
• c. Geometric dilution
• d. Trituration

Answer: d. Trituration

3. A pharmacist is incorporating a small amount of a gritty powder into an ointment base. To ensure a smooth final product, they should first wet the powder with a small amount of a suitable agent. This process is called:

• a. Levigation
• b. Titration
• c. Sublimation
• d. Geometric dilution

Answer: a. Levigation

4. When mixing a small amount of a potent drug powder with a large amount of an ointment base, which technique should be used to ensure uniform distribution?

• a. Tumbling
• b. Spatulation only
• c. Geometric dilution
• d. Direct addition

Answer: c. Geometric dilution

5. Which of the following topical dosage forms is an oleaginous (oily) base that is highly occlusive and best for very dry, scaly skin?

• a. Gel
• b. Cream
• c. Lotion
• d. Ointment

Answer: d. Ointment

6. Performing non-sterile compounding techniques according to USP <795> is a key objective in the experiential education curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

7. A cream is an emulsion that can be either oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O). An O/W cream is:

• a. Greasier than an ointment.
• b. More occlusive than a W/O cream.
• c. Water-washable and less greasy.
• d. Anhydrous.

Answer: c. Water-washable and less greasy.

8. According to USP <795>, what is the maximum beyond-use date (BUD) for a compounded water-containing topical formulation (like a cream or lotion)?

• a. 14 days when stored at room temperature.
• b. 30 days.
• c. 6 months.
• d. 1 year.

Answer: b. 30 days.

9. According to USP <795>, what is the maximum beyond-use date (BUD) for a non-aqueous formulation (like an ointment made with petrolatum)?

• a. 14 days.
• b. 30 days.
• c. 6 months (or 25% of the time remaining on the API’s expiration date, whichever is earlier).
• d. 1 year.

Answer: c. 6 months (or 25% of the time remaining on the API’s expiration date, whichever is earlier).

10. A “Master Formulation Record” is:

• a. The specific record for a single prescription fill.
• b. The “recipe” that provides the ingredients and instructions for preparing a specific compound.
• c. The patient’s prescription.
• d. The logbook for equipment maintenance.

Answer: b. The “recipe” that provides the ingredients and instructions for preparing a specific compound.

11. The course on sterile compounding, which covers many foundational compounding principles, is a required part of the curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

12. A pharmacist needs to prepare a cream containing 2% hydrocortisone. The pharmacy has 1% and 2.5% hydrocortisone cream in stock. Which calculation method would be most useful to determine the amounts of each to mix?

• a. Alligation
• b. Henderson-Hasselbalch
• c. Cockcroft-Gault
• d. Fried’s Rule

Answer: a. Alligation

13. A paste is a type of topical formulation that contains a large percentage of:

• a. Water
• b. Oil
• c. Solid particles
• d. Alcohol

Answer: c. Solid particles

14. Which of the following is a key piece of equipment for topical compounding?

• a. A laminar airflow hood
• b. An autoclave
• c. An ointment slab or pad and spatulas
• d. A biological safety cabinet

Answer: c. An ointment slab or pad and spatulas

15. A pharmacist’s professional responsibility in compounding includes:

• a. Ensuring the final product is prepared accurately and safely.
• b. Counseling the patient on the proper use, storage, and disposal of the compound.
• c. Assigning an appropriate beyond-use date.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

16. The course on Drug Delivery Systems covers the formulation of semisolid dosage forms like creams and ointments.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

17. What is the purpose of a humectant (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol) in a topical formulation?

• a. To act as the active ingredient.
• b. To prevent the cream from drying out.
• c. To act as a preservative.
• d. To provide a pleasant color.

Answer: b. To prevent the cream from drying out.

18. When selecting a levigating agent, it should be:

• a. A volatile solvent.
• b. Miscible with the base and have a low surface tension.
• c. A different color than the active ingredient.
• d. A solid powder.

Answer: b. Miscible with the base and have a low surface tension.

19. For a powder that will be incorporated into an oleaginous base, what is a suitable levigating agent?

• a. Water
• b. Alcohol
• c. Mineral oil
• d. Propylene glycol

Answer: c. Mineral oil

20. The “Compounding Record” documents the specific ingredients, lot numbers, and personnel involved in preparing a single prescription.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

21. A topical gel is often preferred for application to which area of the body?

• a. Very dry, cracked skin.
• b. Hairy areas, like the scalp.
• c. The palms of the hands.
• d. A weeping, oozing lesion.

Answer: b. Hairy areas, like the scalp.

22. A key quality control check for a compounded suspension is:

• a. Its clarity.
• b. Its uniformity and the ability to be easily re-dispersed upon shaking.
• c. Its sterility.
• d. Its pH.

Answer: b. Its uniformity and the ability to be easily re-dispersed upon shaking.

23. The principles of compounding are applied in the IPPE courses.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

24. An active learning session on compounding is part of which course?

• a. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding
• b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
• c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2

Answer: a. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding

25. What is the minimum required personal protective equipment (PPE) for simple, non-sterile compounding?

• a. A full hazardous drug suit.
• b. Gloves and clean lab coat.
• c. Safety goggles only.
• d. No PPE is required.

Answer: b. Gloves and clean lab coat.

26. A pharmacist is asked to compound a topical cream containing an ingredient that is not stable in water. They should choose what kind of base?

• a. An oil-in-water emulsion base.
• b. An anhydrous or oleaginous base.
• c. A gel.
• d. A lotion.

Answer: b. An anhydrous or oleaginous base.

27. “Eutectic mixture” refers to a mixture of two solids that:

• a. Explodes upon contact.
• b. Becomes a liquid at room temperature when mixed together.
• c. Becomes a solid when mixed together.
• d. Are immiscible.

Answer: b. Becomes a liquid at room temperature when mixed together.

28. An active learning session on compounding is part of which course?

• a. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding
• b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
• c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2

Answer: a. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding

29. The primary reason for compounding a topical medication is to:

• a. Create a product to meet the unique needs of an individual patient.
• b. Make a copy of a commercially available product.
• c. Increase pharmacy profits.
• d. Avoid regulations.

Answer: a. Create a product to meet the unique needs of an individual patient.

30. The curriculum includes a dedicated course on Sterile Compounding.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

31. A pharmacist must verify what before beginning a compound?

• a. The calculations
• b. The identity of all ingredients by matching NDC or lot numbers.
• c. The stability of the final product.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

32. The term “occlusive” means the topical base:

• a. Is easily washed off.
• b. Forms a protective barrier that prevents moisture from escaping the skin.
• c. Is very drying.
• d. Absorbs water from the air.

Answer: b. Forms a protective barrier that prevents moisture from escaping the skin.

33. Which dosage form is the most occlusive?

• a. Gel
• b. Lotion
• c. Cream
• d. Ointment

Answer: d. Ointment

34. The objective to “Compound non-sterile preparations” is part of the HIPPE course.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

35. A pharmacist is mixing two creams of different strengths. This is a form of:

• a. Manufacturing
• b. Compounding
• c. Dispensing
• d. Prescribing

Answer: b. Compounding

36. Proper documentation of a compounded prescription is:

• a. Optional
• b. A legal and professional requirement.
• c. Only for sterile products.
• d. Only for controlled substances.

Answer: b. A legal and professional requirement.

37. Which of the following is NOT a part of the final quality check for a compounded ointment?

• a. Checking for visual uniformity and smoothness.
• b. Verifying the final weight.
• c. Checking for sterility.
• d. Ensuring the final product is labeled correctly.

Answer: c. Checking for sterility.

38. The “Drug Delivery Systems” course provides the scientific basis for formulating topical products.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

39. A pharmacist adds a preservative to a compounded aqueous cream to:

• a. Improve the taste.
• b. Inhibit microbial growth.
• c. Increase its potency.
• d. Make it more occlusive.

Answer: b. Inhibit microbial growth.

40. An active learning session covering compounding is part of which course?

• a. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding
• b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
• c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2

Answer: a. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding

41. The selection of a topical base depends on:

• a. The properties of the drug being incorporated.
• b. The condition of the skin being treated (e.g., dry vs. weeping).
• c. Patient preference.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

42. A “hydrophilic” base is one that:

• a. Repels water.
• b. Mixes well with water.
• c. Is oil-based.
• d. Is anhydrous.

Answer: b. Mixes well with water.

43. A key counseling point for any new topical compound is:

• a. How to properly apply it and how much to use.
• b. The potential for local skin irritation.
• c. The beyond-use date.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

44. USP <795> provides guidance to ensure that non-sterile compounded preparations are of:

• a. Good quality.
• b. The correct strength.
• c. Free from contamination.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

45. A pharmacist making a topical preparation for a single patient pursuant to a prescription is practicing:

• a. Manufacturing
• b. 503A Compounding
• c. 503B Compounding
• d. Drug wholesaling

Answer: b. 503A Compounding

46. A key part of managing a compounding practice is:

• a. Routine training and competency assessment of personnel.
• b. Regular maintenance and cleaning of equipment.
• c. Proper documentation.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

47. The IPPE curriculum requires students to perform basic compounding techniques.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

48. An active learning session on sterile compounding is part of which course?

• a. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding
• b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
• c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2

Answer: a. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding

49. The overall goal of topical compounding is to:

• a. Provide a patient with a customized medication to meet a specific need not met by a commercial product.
• b. Make cheaper versions of commercially available products.
• c. Avoid pharmacy laws.
• d. Create new drug molecules.

Answer: a. Provide a patient with a customized medication to meet a specific need not met by a commercial product.

50. The ultimate reason to learn about topical compounding is to:

• a. Be able to safely and accurately prepare high-quality customized medications.
• b. Pass the compounding lab exam.
• c. Memorize all the different ointment bases.
• d. Avoid working in a pharmacy that does compounding.

Answer: a. Be able to safely and accurately prepare high-quality customized medications.