PEBC Tech QE Part I flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Two patient identifiers

Before dispensing or counselling, confirm at least two identifiers such as full name and date of birth; never rely on name alone.

BPMH

Best Possible Medication History is a structured interview and record of all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products the patient actually uses.

Canada Vigilance Program

Health Canada's system for reporting suspected adverse drug reactions and medical device incidents; technicians can help identify and document reports for pharmacist submission.

PHIPA

Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act governs collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information by health information custodians, including pharmacies.

Need-to-know access

Access personal health information only when required to perform a task; do not browse records of family, friends, or coworkers.

High-alert medication

A drug with heightened risk of significant harm when used in error, such as insulin, heparin, opioids, and chemotherapy; requires independent double-checks.

Non-punitive error reporting

Reporting medication incidents to improve systems rather than punish individuals supports learning and helps prevent recurrence.

PRN

PRN is a Latin abbreviation meaning 'as needed'; the prescription should specify the indication, dose, and maximum frequency.

Days supply formula

Divide the total quantity dispensed by the amount used per day; for example, 30 tablets taken twice daily equal a 15-day supply.

TALL man lettering

Mixed-case letters highlight differences in look-alike/sound-alike drug names, such as hydrOXYzine versus hydrALAZINE, to reduce selection errors.

Auxiliary label

A supplementary label that gives special instructions or warnings, such as 'Shake well' or 'Avoid alcohol', in addition to the main prescription label.

Refill authorization

The number of times a prescription may be dispensed again before a new prescriber order is required; verify remaining refills before filling.

Prescription elements

A valid prescription includes patient name, drug, strength, dosage form, quantity, directions, prescriber signature, and date.

No substitution

A prescriber's instruction that the specified brand must be dispensed; generic substitution is not permitted unless the prescriber is consulted.

C1V1 = C2V2

Dilution formula: initial concentration times initial volume equals final concentration times final volume; use consistent units throughout the calculation.

Percent w/v

Percent weight/volume means grams of solute per 100 mL of solution; 5% w/v contains 5 g in 100 mL.

Ratio strength

A ratio such as 1:1000 means 1 g or mL of solute in 1000 mL of solution, equivalent to 0.1% w/v.

Geometric dilution

Mix a small amount of potent powder with an equal volume of diluent, then repeatedly double the mixture to ensure uniform distribution.

Alligation

A calculation method for blending two preparations of different strengths to obtain a desired intermediate strength; set up a proportional grid.

Meniscus reading

Read the lowest point of the curved liquid surface at eye level when measuring in a graduated cylinder to avoid parallax error.

ISO Class 5

A cleanroom air classification allowing no more than 3,520 particles ≥0.5 µm per cubic meter; primary engineering controls provide ISO 5 air for sterile compounding.

HEPA filter

High-efficiency particulate air filter removes at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 µm or larger; used in laminar airflow hoods and biological safety cabinets.

CSTD

Closed system transfer device prevents escape of hazardous drug vapors and aerosols during preparation and administration; used with PPE and engineering controls.

Biological indicator

A preparation of viable spores, such as Geobacillus stearothermophilus, used to validate autoclave sterilization.

0.22-micron filter

A sterilizing-grade filter that removes bacteria and fungi from solutions; it does not remove viruses or endotoxins.

Aseptic technique

Practices that prevent contamination of sterile products, including hand hygiene, proper garb, disinfection of surfaces and stoppers, and avoiding turbulent airflow.

Inventory turnover

Cost of goods sold divided by average inventory; indicates how many times inventory is sold and replaced over a period.

Perpetual inventory

A running record of receipts and withdrawals for controlled drugs, kept current with each transaction and reconciled regularly.

Quarantine expired stock

Remove expired or recalled drugs from active shelves, label them clearly, and store separately until return or destruction.

Generic substitution

Dispensing a provincial formulary generic equivalent instead of the prescribed brand unless the prescriber prohibits substitution or the patient refuses.

Beneficence

An ethical principle requiring actions that promote the patient's well-being and best interests in pharmacy practice.

Nonmaleficence

An ethical principle meaning 'do no harm'; avoid interventions or omissions that could injure the patient.