We have provided 60 MCQs on Prescription, Unit-1, 1st semester, Pharmaceutics, B. Pharm.
We have covered following topics.
Prescription: Definition, Parts of prescription, handling of Prescription and Errors in prescription.
Table of Contents
MCQ on Prescription
What is the primary purpose of a prescription in healthcare?
- A. To bill the patient for medical services
- B. To provide a record of the patient’s medical history
- C. To communicate treatment recommendations to a pharmacist
- D. To request a consultation with a specialist
Correct Answer: C. To communicate treatment recommendations to a pharmacist
Which of the following is typically NOT included in a prescription?
- A. Patient’s name and address
- B. Physician’s signature
- C. Medication name and dosage instructions
- D. Patient’s social security number
Correct Answer: D. Patient’s social security number
How should a pharmacist handle a prescription with unclear or illegible handwriting from the physician?
- A. Ignore it and dispense the most common medication
- B. Call the physician for clarification
- C. Dispense the medication based on their best guess
- D. Decline to fill the prescription
Correct Answer: B. Call the physician for clarification
What is the term for a mistake in prescription writing that occurs when the physician uses abbreviations that are easily misinterpreted?
- A. Medication reconciliation
- B. Dosage error
- C. Medication omission
- D. Medication error
Correct Answer: D. Medication error
In prescription writing, what information helps ensure that the correct patient receives the medication?
- A. Physician’s signature
- B. Medication expiration date
- C. Patient’s contact number
- D. Patient’s name and date of birth
Correct Answer: D. Patient’s name and date of birth
What is the significance of a DEA number on a prescription?
- A. To identify the patient’s allergies
- B. To track the prescription for billing purposes
- C. To ensure the prescription’s legality for controlled substances
- D. To determine the patient’s insurance coverage
Correct Answer: C. To ensure the prescription’s legality for controlled substances
What should a healthcare professional do if they encounter an unclear or illegible prescription?
- A. Refer to the patient’s medical history
- B. Contact the patient for clarification
- C. Dispense the medication based on their best judgment
- D. Disregard the prescription
Correct Answer: B. Contact the patient for clarification
Which part of a prescription typically includes the physician’s name, contact information, and qualifications?
- A. Medication instructions
- B. Patient’s name and address
- C. Physician’s signature
- D. Medication name and quantity
Correct Answer: C. Physician’s signature
In prescription handling, what is the responsibility of a pharmacist when filling a prescription for a controlled substance?
- A. Dispense the medication without additional steps
- B. Call the patient to verify their identity
- C. Verify the prescription with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- D. Delay filling the prescription until the next day
Correct Answer: C. Verify the prescription with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
What term describes a situation where a patient receives a medication that was not prescribed for them due to similar-sounding drug names?
- A. Medication reconciliation
- B. Medication substitution
- C. Medication omission
- D. Medication mix-up
Correct Answer: D. Medication mix-up
Which part of a prescription is essential for a pharmacist to identify the correct medication and its dosage?
- A. Patient’s date of birth
- B. Physician’s medical license number
- C. Medication name and instructions
- D. Patient’s insurance information
Correct Answer: C. Medication name and instructions
When a prescription includes “PRN” instructions, what does it mean?
- A. The medication is not needed
- B. The patient should take the medication as needed
- C. The medication is prohibited
- D. The patient must take the medication regularly
Correct Answer: B. The patient should take the medication as needed
What is the purpose of including the patient’s name and address on a prescription?
- A. To facilitate billing for medical services
- B. To identify the patient in case of a medical emergency
- C. To ensure the prescription is legally valid
- D. To determine the patient’s insurance coverage
Correct Answer: B. To identify the patient in case of a medical emergency
What information does the “Sig” section of a prescription typically contain?
- Medication name and quantity
- Patient’s address and contact information
- Physician’s medical license number
- Dosage and administration instructions
Correct Answer: Dosage and administration instructions
What is the role of a pharmacist when a prescription indicates “Dispense as written” (DAW)?
- Substitute a generic medication for the prescribed brand name
- Dispense the medication exactly as prescribed
- Refuse to fill the prescription
- Call the physician for clarification
Correct Answer: Dispense the medication exactly as prescribed
Which of the following errors in prescription writing can lead to incorrect dosages and potential harm to the patient?
- Omitting the patient’s date of birth
- Using clear and legible handwriting
- Including the physician’s contact information
- Failing to specify the medication strength
Correct Answer: Failing to specify the medication strength
What should a pharmacist do if a prescription includes a medication to which the patient is known to be allergic?
- Fill the prescription as written
- Inform the patient of the allergy and dispense the medication
- Ignore the allergy information and dispense the medication
- Call the prescribing physician for clarification
Correct Answer: Call the prescribing physician for clarification
Which of the following is NOT a common error in prescription writing?
- Illegible handwriting
- Missing patient’s name
- Incorrect medication dosage
- Providing the patient’s email address
Correct Answer: Providing the patient’s email address
What term describes an error in which a patient receives a higher dose of medication than prescribed?
- Medication reconciliation
- Overdose
- Medication substitution
- Dosage error
Correct Answer: Overdose
Why is it important for healthcare professionals to confirm the patient’s identity when dispensing medications?
- To charge the patient for the medication
- To ensure the patient receives the correct medication
- To verify the patient’s insurance coverage
- To maintain accurate billing records
Correct Answer: To ensure the patient receives the correct medication
What information is typically found in the “Dispense as written” (DAW) section of a prescription?
- A. Medication name
- B. Dosage instructions
- C. Instructions for pharmacy staff
- D. Physician’s signature
Correct Answer: C. Instructions for pharmacy staff
When should a pharmacist call a physician for clarification on a prescription?
- A. Only if the handwriting is completely illegible
- B. Whenever there is any doubt or uncertainty
- C. If the patient requests it
- D. After filling the prescription
Correct Answer: B. Whenever there is any doubt or uncertainty
Which part of a prescription provides details about how the medication should be taken by the patient?
- A. Physician’s name and contact information
- B. Medication expiration date
- C. The “Sig” section
- D. Patient’s date of birth
Correct Answer: C. The “Sig” section
What is the primary purpose of a prescription’s “Rx” symbol?
- A. To indicate the medication’s brand name
- B. To notify the pharmacist of a prescription’s expiration
- C. To confirm the patient’s identity
- D. To signify the prescription
Correct Answer: D. To signify the prescription
Which part of a prescription typically contains the patient’s contact information and insurance details?
- A. Physician’s signature
- B. Medication instructions
- C. Patient’s name and address
- D. Medication name and quantity
Correct Answer: C. Patient’s name and address
In the context of prescription handling, what does the abbreviation “OD” stand for?
- A. On Demand
- B. Once Daily
- C. Overdose
- D. Over the Counter
Correct Answer: B. Once Daily
Why is it crucial to include the physician’s signature on a prescription?
- A. To ensure proper medication storage
- B. To authenticate the prescription
- C. To track the prescription for billing purposes
- D. To identify the patient’s medical history
Correct Answer: B. To authenticate the prescription
What is the significance of a prescription’s “PRN” designation?
- A. It indicates a life-saving medication.
- B. It signifies a medication for long-term use.
- C. It means the medication should be taken as needed.
- D. It specifies a controlled substance.
Correct Answer: C. It means the medication should be taken as needed.
What part of a prescription should include the medication’s quantity and dosage form?
- A. Patient’s name and address
- B. Physician’s signature
- C. Medication name and instructions
- D. Dispensing instructions
Correct Answer: C. Medication name and instructions
In prescription handling, what is the purpose of verifying a patient’s identity before dispensing medication?
- A. To charge the patient for the medication
- B. To ensure the patient receives the correct medication
- C. To verify the patient’s insurance coverage
- D. To maintain accurate billing records
Correct Answer: B. To ensure the patient receives the correct medication
Why is it important for healthcare professionals to check for potential drug interactions when handling prescriptions?
- A. To charge the patient for the medication
- B. To ensure the patient receives multiple medications
- C. To identify and prevent harmful interactions
- D. To increase the cost of prescription medications
Correct Answer: C. To identify and prevent harmful interactions
What is the purpose of including the patient’s date of birth on a prescription?
- A. To identify the patient in case of a medical emergency
- B. To verify the patient’s insurance coverage
- C. To confirm the patient’s identity during billing
- D. To determine the patient’s preferred pharmacy
Correct Answer: A. To identify the patient in case of a medical emergency
What is the role of a pharmacist when a prescription indicates “Substitution permissible”?
- A. Dispense only the brand-name medication
- B. Dispense the generic equivalent if available
- C. Refuse to fill the prescription
- D. Call the patient for clarification
Correct Answer: B. Dispense the generic equivalent if available
What part of a prescription should include any additional instructions or special requests from the physician?
- A. Physician’s name and contact information
- B. Medication expiration date
- C. The “Sig” section
- D. Patient’s date of birth
Correct Answer: C. The “Sig” section
What is a prescription?
- A written order from a healthcare professional to a pharmacist for the dispensing of medication.
- A document that provides instructions on how to take a medication.
- A list of medications that a patient is taking.
- A record of a patient’s medical history.
Answer: A written order from a healthcare professional to a pharmacist for the dispensing of medication.
Parts of a prescription
Which of the following is NOT a required part of a prescription?
- Patient’s name
- Prescriber’s name and signature
- Name of medication
- Directions for use
- Quantity of medication
- Date of prescription
- Dosage form
- Refills (if allowed)
Answer: Refills (if allowed)
What is the purpose of the date on a prescription?
- To indicate the date on which the prescription was written.
- To indicate the date on which the prescription expires.
- To indicate the date on which the medication should be started.
- To indicate the date on which the medication should be finished.
Answer: To indicate the date on which the prescription was written.
What is the purpose of the dosage form on a prescription?
- To indicate the type of medication (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid, etc.).
- To indicate the strength of the medication.
- To indicate the frequency of administration.
- To indicate the route of administration.
Answer: To indicate the type of medication (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid, etc.).
What is the purpose of the quantity on a prescription?
- To indicate the number of doses that are dispensed.
- To indicate the number of refills that are allowed.
- To indicate the total amount of medication that is dispensed.
- To indicate the strength of the medication.
Answer: To indicate the number of doses that are dispensed.
Handling of prescriptions
Who is responsible for reviewing the prescription for accuracy before dispensing the medication?
- The pharmacist
- The nurse
- The doctor
- The patient
Answer: The pharmacist
What should the pharmacist do if they notice an error on a prescription?
- Contact the prescriber for clarification.
- Refuse to dispense the medication.
- Dispense the medication as written.
- Dispense the medication with a warning to the patient.
Answer: Contact the prescriber for clarification.
What should the patient do if they have any questions about their prescription?
- Ask the pharmacist or prescriber.
- Ask a friend or family member.
- Ask the internet.
Answer: Ask the pharmacist or the prescriber.
Errors in prescriptions
What is the most common type of error on a prescription?
- Dosage error
- Drug name error
- Route of administration error
- Frequency of administration error
Answer: Dosage error
What are the consequences of a prescription error?
- Serious harm to the patient
- Ineffective treatment
- Increased cost of healthcare
Answer: All of the above
Which of the following is NOT a prescription-only medication?
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Aspirin
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Answer: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
What is the maximum number of refills that are allowed on a prescription?
- 5
- 10
- Unlimited
- Varies by state
Answer: Varies by state
What should a patient do if they lose their prescription?
- Contact the prescriber for a new prescription.
- Contact the pharmacy where the prescription was filled for a copy of the prescription.
- Ask a friend or family member for their prescription.
- Try to find a similar prescription over-the-counter.
Answer: Contact the prescriber for a new prescription or contact the pharmacy where the prescription was filled for a copy of the prescription.
What should a patient do if they have any side effects from their medication?
- Contact the prescriber or pharmacist.
- Stop taking the medication and seek medical attention if the side effects are severe.
- Continue taking the medication and hope that the side effects go away.
- Ask a friend or family member for advice.
Answer: Contact the prescriber or pharmacist.
What is the best way to store prescriptions?
- In a cool, dry place.
- In the refrigerator.
- In the freezer.
- In the bathroom.
Answer: In a cool, dry place.
What should a patient do if they have any questions about their medication?
- Ask the pharmacist or prescriber.
- Read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication.
- Ask a friend or family member.
- Search online.
Answer: Ask the pharmacist or prescriber.
What is the best way to dispose of unused or expired prescriptions?
- Flush them down the toilet.
- Throw them in the trash.
- Take them back to the pharmacy.
- Drop them off at a hazardous waste disposal facility.
Answer: Take them back to the pharmacy or drop them off at a hazardous waste disposal facility.
What is the best way to prevent prescription errors?
- Make sure that the prescriber knows all of your medications and allergies.
- Double-check the prescription with the pharmacist before leaving the pharmacy.
- Ask the pharmacist to explain the directions for use before leaving the pharmacy.
- Keep a list of all of your medications and allergies with you at all times.
Answer: All of the above
What should a patient do if they suspect that they have received a counterfeit prescription?
- Contact the pharmacy where the prescription was filled.
- Contact the prescriber.
- Report the incident to the FDA.
Answer: All of the above
What is the best way to keep prescriptions safe from children and pets?
- Store them in a locked cabinet or drawer.
- Keep them out of sight and reach.
- Dispose of them properly when they are no longer needed.
Answer: All of the above
What is the difference between a generic prescription and a brand-name prescription?
- Generic prescriptions are cheaper than brand-name prescriptions.
- Generic prescriptions are made by the same manufacturer as brand-name prescriptions.
- Generic prescriptions are chemically equivalent to brand-name prescriptions.
Answer: All of the above
What is the purpose of a patient information leaflet?
- To provide patients with information about their medication.
- To explain the directions for use of the medication.
- To list the potential side effects and drug interactions of the medication.
Answer: All of the above
What is the difference between a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) drug?
- Prescription drugs are stronger than OTC drugs.
- Prescription drugs require a prescription from a healthcare professional, while OTC drugs do not.
- Prescription drugs are generally more expensive than OTC drugs.
Answer: All of the above
What is the best way to take a prescription drug?
- Follow the directions on the prescription label and the patient information leaflet.
- Take the medication at the same time each day.
- Take the medication with food or drink, unless otherwise directed.
- Tell your healthcare professional about all other medications and supplements that you are taking.
Answer: All of the above
What should a patient do if they miss a dose of their medication?
- Take two doses of the medication at the next scheduled time.
- Skip the missed dose and continue taking the medication as scheduled.
- Contact the prescriber or pharmacist for instructions.
Answer: Contact the prescriber or pharmacist for instructions.
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