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PTCB HD practice questions

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Question 1Engineering Controls

Which engineering control is designed to capture airborne hazardous drug particles and vapors at the point of release before they reach the worker's breathing zone?

  1. A secondary engineering control such as a negative-pressure room
  2. A closed-system transfer device
  3. A personal protective equipment ensemble
  4. A primary engineering control such as a biological safety cabinet Correct answer.

Explanation

Primary engineering controls (biological safety cabinets, compounding aseptic containment isolators, and containment ventilated enclosures) capture contaminants at the source. Secondary controls like room pressure and ventilation support the primary device but do not capture at the point of release.

Question 2Engineering Controls

A technician prepares hazardous drugs in a Class II biological safety cabinet. Which airflow pattern describes how this cabinet protects the operator?

  1. Unfiltered room air is exhausted directly across the operator's breathing zone
  2. Air is recirculated through the cabinet without any filtration to conserve energy
  3. Room air is drawn through a HEPA filter and blown across the work surface toward the operator
  4. Air is drawn inward at the front sash and passes through HEPA filters before recirculation or exhaust Correct answer.

Explanation

A Class II BSC draws room air in at the front opening, creating an inward airflow that protects the operator, and filters air through HEPA before recirculating or exhausting it. This inward inflow at the sash is the key operator-protection mechanism.

Question 3Engineering Controls

Which type of primary engineering control is required for sterile compounding of hazardous drugs because it provides both an ISO Class 5 environment and containment of hazardous particles?

  1. A Class II biological safety cabinet Correct answer.
  2. An open bench with a wall-mounted fan
  3. A horizontal laminar airflow workbench
  4. A compounding aseptic isolator without containment ventilation

Explanation

A Class II BSC provides an ISO Class 5 critical work area while also containing hazardous particles, making it suitable for sterile hazardous compounding. Horizontal laminar flow workbenches protect the product but blow contamination toward the operator.

Question 4Engineering Controls

What is the purpose of the HEPA filter in the exhaust stream of a containment ventilated enclosure used for hazardous drugs?

  1. To humidify the exhausted air
  2. To increase the airflow velocity at the work opening
  3. To neutralize vapors through a charcoal bed
  4. To remove hazardous particles before air is released Correct answer.

Explanation

HEPA filters trap particles, including hazardous drug particulates, before exhaust air is released into the room or ductwork. Vapor removal requires a separate adsorbent (charcoal) filter, and HEPA filters do not humidify or change airflow velocity.

Question 5Engineering Controls

Which room engineering feature helps prevent hazardous drug contamination from migrating into adjacent areas of a pharmacy?

  1. Neutral pressure with open doors
  2. Positive pressure relative to adjacent spaces
  3. Increased temperature relative to adjacent spaces
  4. Negative pressure relative to adjacent spaces Correct answer.

Explanation

Negative pressure keeps air flowing into the hazardous compounding area from surrounding spaces, so contaminants do not escape. Positive pressure would push contaminated air outward into adjacent areas.

Question 6Engineering Controls

Which device is designed to prevent the escape of hazardous drug aerosols and vapors during the transfer of drug from a vial to a syringe?

  1. A vented needle alone
  2. A needleless IV connector
  3. A closed-system transfer device Correct answer.
  4. A standard luer-lock syringe

Explanation

Closed-system transfer devices mechanically prevent the release of hazardous drug aerosols and vapors during transfer operations. A vented needle alone still allows vapor and aerosol escape.

Question 7Engineering Controls

What does an ISO Class 5 environment mean for the compounding work area?

  1. No more than 3,520 particles per cubic meter of particles 0.5 micrometers or larger Correct answer.
  2. Fewer than 5 particles per cubic meter of any size
  3. A maximum of 5 air changes per hour
  4. Zero viable particles permitted at all times

Explanation

ISO Class 5 permits no more than 3,520 particles per cubic meter of 0.5 micrometer or larger in the critical work area. It is a particle-count classification, not a statement of zero particles or a measure of air changes.

Question 8Engineering Controls

Where should the critical work area of a biological safety cabinet be located within the cabinet?

  1. In the center of the work surface away from the front and rear grilles Correct answer.
  2. Directly over the front intake grille
  3. In the rear corner opposite the intake grille
  4. Along the front edge near the sash

Explanation

Work should be performed in the center of the work surface, away from the front and rear grilles, to avoid disrupting the airflow patterns that protect both product and operator. Blocking grilles or working at the front edge can disrupt containment.

Question 9Engineering Controls

A pharmacy is designing a hazardous drug compounding area. Which combination correctly pairs a primary and a secondary engineering control?

  1. Closed-system transfer device and HEPA-filtered supply air only
  2. Laminar flow hood and open doorway
  3. Biological safety cabinet and negative-pressure room with external exhaust Correct answer.
  4. Fume hood and positive-pressure anteroom

Explanation

The BSC is the primary control capturing contaminants at the source, and the negative-pressure room with external exhaust is the secondary control that supports containment. The other combinations either use inappropriate devices or lack a proper secondary control.

Question 10Engineering Controls

Why must exhaust from a hazardous drug compounding area be directed to the outdoors rather than recirculated into the building?

  1. To reduce the cost of heating and cooling
  2. To eliminate the need for a HEPA filter
  3. To increase the room's positive pressure
  4. To prevent redistributing hazardous drug particles and vapors throughout the building Correct answer.

Explanation

Externally vented exhaust prevents hazardous drug particles and vapors from being redistributed to other areas of the building. Recirculation would spread contamination rather than contain it.

Question 11Engineering Controls

A technician notices the airflow alarm on a biological safety cabinet sounds during compounding. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Turn off the cabinet and resume compounding immediately
  2. Open the sash fully to increase airflow
  3. Continue compounding and report the alarm at the end of the shift
  4. Stop work and perform no further compounding until the issue is resolved Correct answer.

Explanation

An airflow alarm indicates that the cabinet may not be maintaining proper containment, so work must stop until the problem is resolved and the cabinet is verified safe. Continuing work or altering the sash does not correct a compromised airflow condition.

Question 12Engineering Controls

Which statement correctly describes the role of an anteroom in a hazardous drug compounding suite?

  1. It stores hazardous drug waste in open containers
  2. It is the primary location for hazardous drug compounding
  3. It serves as a buffer zone where personnel don PPE and that supports pressure relationships Correct answer.
  4. It replaces the need for a biological safety cabinet

Explanation

An anteroom provides a buffer between the compounding area and surrounding spaces, where personnel don PPE and where pressure cascades support containment. Compounding occurs in the primary engineering control, not the anteroom.

Question 13Engineering Controls

What is the primary reason a compounding aseptic containment isolator is operated under negative pressure?

  1. To contain hazardous drug aerosols and vapors within the isolator Correct answer.
  2. To increase the speed of compounding
  3. To protect the sterile product from room air
  4. To eliminate the need for HEPA filtration

Explanation

A containment isolator is maintained under negative pressure relative to the room so that any leak draws air inward, keeping hazardous aerosols and vapors contained. Product protection and HEPA filtration are separate considerations.

Question 14Engineering Controls

A facility wants to verify that its secondary engineering control is functioning. Which measurement is most directly relevant?

  1. The weight of hazardous waste generated per shift
  2. The particle count inside the biological safety cabinet
  3. The temperature of the refrigerator used for drug storage
  4. The pressure differential between the compounding room and adjacent spaces Correct answer.

Explanation

Pressure differentials between the compounding room and adjacent areas verify that the room is under negative pressure and containing contamination. Particle counts inside the BSC verify the primary control, not the room.

Question 15Engineering Controls

Which practice best preserves the airflow integrity of a biological safety cabinet during compounding?

  1. Leaving the cabinet blower off when not actively compounding
  2. Placing supplies directly over the front and rear grilles
  3. Stacking items against the back wall to save space
  4. Arranging materials so grilles remain unobstructed and working in the center Correct answer.

Explanation

Keeping the front and rear grilles clear and working in the center preserves the airflow patterns that maintain containment. Blocking grilles or stacking items disrupts airflow.

Question 16Engineering Controls

Which engineering control is specifically intended to contain hazardous drug powder during the counting or weighing of non-sterile hazardous drugs?

  1. An open counting tray on a countertop
  2. A laminar flow workbench
  3. A standard room exhaust fan
  4. A containment ventilated enclosure or powder containment hood Correct answer.

Explanation

A containment ventilated enclosure or powder containment hood captures airborne powder at the source during non-sterile handling of hazardous drugs. An open tray or standard fan provides no point-of-release containment.

Question 17Engineering Controls

What is the function of a HEPA filter's gasket and frame seal in a biological safety cabinet?

  1. To increase the cabinet's internal temperature
  2. To cool the motor
  3. To reduce the cabinet's electrical consumption
  4. To prevent air from bypassing the filter medium Correct answer.

Explanation

Gaskets and frame seals prevent unfiltered air from bypassing the filter medium, ensuring that all air passes through the HEPA filter. A compromised seal allows contaminated air to escape filtration.

Question 18Engineering Controls

A pharmacy's hazardous drug compounding room is under negative pressure, but a technician props the door open. What is the most likely consequence?

  1. The biological safety cabinet airflow increases
  2. The pressure differential is maintained and containment is unaffected
  3. The pressure relationship is disrupted and contamination may migrate to adjacent areas Correct answer.
  4. The HEPA filters become more efficient

Explanation

Propping the door open disrupts the pressure differential that contains contamination, allowing hazardous particles to migrate to adjacent areas. Room pressure depends on a closed envelope to function.

Question 19Engineering Controls

Which statement about the placement of a biological safety cabinet in the compounding room is correct?

  1. It should be placed near a doorway to improve access
  2. It should be positioned so the operator faces an open window
  3. It should be located away from drafts, doors, and high-traffic areas Correct answer.
  4. It should be placed directly under a supply air diffuser

Explanation

A BSC should be located away from drafts, doors, and high-traffic areas because air currents can disrupt the cabinet's airflow and containment. Placement near openings or diffusers can compromise performance.

Question 20Engineering Controls

A facility is evaluating whether an existing horizontal laminar flow workbench can be used for hazardous sterile compounding. What is the correct conclusion?

  1. It is acceptable if the operator wears gloves
  2. It is acceptable if the room is under negative pressure
  3. It is unacceptable because it directs air toward the operator and does not contain hazardous drugs Correct answer.
  4. It is acceptable because it provides ISO Class 5 air

Explanation

A horizontal laminar flow workbench provides ISO Class 5 air but blows it toward the operator, so it cannot contain hazardous drugs. Room pressure or PPE does not correct the device's fundamental airflow direction.

Question 21Engineering Controls

Which set of conditions most directly indicates that a biological safety cabinet's containment is compromised during use?

  1. The cabinet has passed its most recent certification
  2. The cabinet's inflow velocity is within specification and the alarm is silent
  3. The work surface has been disinfected with an appropriate agent
  4. The airflow alarm activates and the inflow velocity falls below the specified range Correct answer.

Explanation

Containment depends on maintaining the specified inflow velocity; a drop below range with an alarm indicates compromised containment. Disinfection and prior certification do not reflect real-time containment performance.

Question 22Engineering Controls

A pharmacy uses a closed-system transfer device with a biological safety cabinet. Which statement best describes how these controls complement each other?

  1. The CSTD provides the ISO Class 5 environment
  2. The BSC captures airborne contaminants while the CSTD limits aerosol and vapor release during transfer Correct answer.
  3. The BSC and CSTD perform identical functions
  4. The CSTD replaces the need for the BSC

Explanation

The BSC captures airborne contaminants at the source, while the CSTD reduces the release of aerosols and vapors during drug transfer operations. They address different points in the contamination pathway and are used together.

Question 23Engineering Controls

During a design review, an engineer proposes recirculating HEPA-filtered air from a hazardous drug compounding room back into the pharmacy to save energy. What is the best response?

  1. Reject it because HEPA filtration does not remove all hazardous vapors and exhaust should go outdoors Correct answer.
  2. Accept it because HEPA filtration removes all hazardous vapors
  3. Accept it because recirculation improves containment
  4. Accept it if the room is under negative pressure

Explanation

HEPA filters capture particles but do not reliably remove all hazardous drug vapors, so exhaust from hazardous compounding should be directed outdoors. Recirculation risks redistributing vapors into the building.

Question 24Engineering Controls

A technician must choose between a Class II BSC and a containment ventilated enclosure for preparing a hazardous drug that will be administered immediately and does not require sterile compounding. Which choice is most appropriate and why?

  1. Class II BSC, because it is the only device that contains hazardous drugs
  2. Open bench with a fan, because sterility is not required
  3. Containment ventilated enclosure, because it provides point-of-release containment for non-sterile handling Correct answer.
  4. Horizontal laminar flow workbench, because it protects the product

Explanation

A containment ventilated enclosure provides point-of-release containment for non-sterile handling of hazardous drugs, where an ISO Class 5 environment is not required. A Class II BSC is used when sterile compounding is needed.

Question 25Engineering Controls

Which combination of engineering controls represents a complete containment strategy for sterile hazardous drug compounding?

  1. A Class II BSC in a negative-pressure room with externally vented exhaust Correct answer.
  2. An open bench in a negative-pressure room
  3. A horizontal laminar flow workbench in a positive-pressure room
  4. A Class II BSC in a room with recirculated air

Explanation

A complete strategy pairs a primary control (Class II BSC) that captures contaminants at the source with a secondary control (negative-pressure room with external exhaust) that prevents migration. The other combinations omit a critical containment element.

Question 26Engineering Controls

Which engineering control is the primary control that directly captures and contains hazardous drug contamination at the point where it is generated?

  1. A ceiling-mounted HEPA diffuser
  2. A pass-through window
  3. A room pressure monitor
  4. A biological safety cabinet Correct answer.

Explanation

Primary engineering controls capture contamination at the source before it disperses into the room. A containment ventilated enclosure or biological safety cabinet serves this function. Room-level devices such as monitors, diffusers, and pass-throughs only support the secondary control.

Question 27Engineering Controls

A hazardous drug compounding buffer room is kept at negative pressure relative to adjacent spaces. What is the purpose of this pressure relationship?

  1. To keep airborne contamination from migrating out of the buffer room Correct answer.
  2. To reduce the noise level produced by the exhaust fan
  3. To increase the room's air exchange rate above 60 per hour
  4. To maintain ISO Class 5 air quality throughout the room

Explanation

Negative pressure causes air to flow into the room from surrounding spaces, so any airborne hazardous drug residue stays contained. Air exchange rate and particulate cleanliness are separate parameters. Noise reduction is unrelated to pressure direction.

Question 28Engineering Controls

Which type of HEPA filter is used in the exhaust system of a hazardous drug compounding area to remove particles from air leaving the space?

  1. Ultraviolet germicidal lamp
  2. Ionizing electrostatic precipitator
  3. High-efficiency particulate air filter Correct answer.
  4. Activated carbon filter

Explanation

HEPA filters remove at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers and larger, which captures hazardous drug particulates in exhaust air. Carbon filters target vapors and gases rather than particles. UV lamps and electrostatic devices are not particulate HEPA barriers.

Question 29Engineering Controls

What is the minimum required air cleanliness classification for the direct compounding area of a primary engineering control used for sterile compounding?

  1. ISO Class 7
  2. ISO Class 6
  3. ISO Class 8
  4. ISO Class 5 Correct answer.

Explanation

The direct compounding area where sterile preparations are exposed must meet ISO Class 5 particulate standards. The surrounding buffer room is typically ISO Class 7. Classes 6 and 8 do not meet the requirement for the critical exposure site.

Question 30Engineering Controls

Which practice helps maintain unidirectional airflow within the critical work area of a biological safety cabinet?

  1. Placing large equipment directly over the work surface center
  2. Working with the cabinet's front sash raised as high as possible
  3. Grouping all items tightly against the front viewing window
  4. Arranging supplies so air moves unobstructed from back to front Correct answer.

Explanation

Unidirectional airflow is preserved when items are placed so they do not block air moving toward the front grille. Items should not be placed over the critical area or against the front window. The sash should be at or below the specified working height.

Question 31Engineering Controls

Which device is used to measure and continuously display the pressure difference between a hazardous drug compounding room and its adjacent space?

  1. A room pressure monitor Correct answer.
  2. A humidity gauge
  3. A particle counter
  4. An air velocity meter

Explanation

A room pressure monitor senses the differential between the compounding room and adjacent areas and displays it so staff can confirm containment. Particle counters measure particulate cleanliness, velocity meters measure airflow speed, and humidity gauges measure moisture.

Question 32Engineering Controls

A technician is weighing hazardous drug powder on an open bench inside a negative-pressure buffer room. Which engineering control should be used to contain the powder at its source?

  1. A freestanding ultraviolet lamp
  2. A room exhaust grille located near the ceiling
  3. A horizontal laminar flow workbench
  4. A containment ventilated enclosure Correct answer.

Explanation

Powder handling generates airborne particles that must be captured at the point of generation, which a containment ventilated enclosure provides. A horizontal laminar flow workbench blows air toward the operator and is unsuitable. Room exhaust and UV lamps do not capture powder at the source.

Question 33Engineering Controls

A biological safety cabinet's inflow velocity at the front opening has dropped below its specified range while the cabinet is in use. What does this most directly indicate?

  1. The HEPA filter has reached the end of its service life
  2. The supply blower is operating above its design speed
  3. The air curtain at the opening may no longer contain contaminants Correct answer.
  4. The cabinet's interior surfaces require disinfection

Explanation

Inflow velocity at the front opening creates the air curtain that keeps contaminants inside the cabinet. A drop below the specified range means that barrier may be inadequate. Filter life, surface disinfection, and blower overspeed are separate issues.

Question 34Engineering Controls

Why are HEPA filters typically positioned on the exhaust side of a containment ventilated enclosure rather than only at the intake?

  1. To increase the airflow velocity at the front opening
  2. To reduce the frequency of filter replacement
  3. To filter air before it leaves the enclosure and enters the exhaust duct Correct answer.
  4. To protect the enclosure's interior from room particulate

Explanation

Exhaust-side HEPA filtration removes hazardous particles from air before it enters the ductwork or leaves the building. Intake filtration addresses incoming air quality, not protection of the exhaust pathway. Velocity and replacement frequency are not the purpose of exhaust filtration.

Question 35Engineering Controls

A pharmacy is planning a sterile hazardous drug compounding suite. Which arrangement correctly places the primary engineering control relative to the buffer room?

  1. The primary engineering control sits inside a negative-pressure buffer room that is externally vented Correct answer.
  2. The primary engineering control sits inside a positive-pressure buffer room that recirculates air
  3. The primary engineering control sits in an anteroom maintained at positive pressure
  4. The primary engineering control sits in the general pharmacy area near a return air grille

Explanation

The primary engineering control belongs inside a negative-pressure buffer room whose exhaust is directed outdoors. Positive pressure or recirculation would allow hazardous contamination to spread. Locating the device in a general or anteroom area provides no secondary containment.

Question 36Engineering Controls

What is the role of the external exhaust connection on a Class II biological safety cabinet used for hazardous drugs?

  1. It routes cabinet exhaust outdoors so vapors and particles are not released into the room Correct answer.
  2. It maintains the cabinet's internal pressure at positive
  3. It provides backup power to the cabinet blower
  4. It supplies HEPA-filtered air to the cabinet's work area

Explanation

When hazardous drugs are handled, cabinet exhaust is ducted outdoors to prevent release of vapors and particles into the room. Supply air and internal pressure are managed by the cabinet's own blower and filter arrangement. Power backup is an electrical function.

Question 37Engineering Controls

A certification report shows a biological safety cabinet passing its inflow velocity test but failing its filter integrity test. What is the most appropriate interpretation?

  1. The cabinet is fully functional because inflow velocity is the only critical parameter
  2. Containment may be compromised because unfiltered air can pass through the filter Correct answer.
  3. The failure can be disregarded until the next scheduled certification
  4. The cabinet should be used only for non-hazardous preparations

Explanation

Filter integrity confirms that the HEPA filter does not leak particles. A failed integrity test means unfiltered air may pass through, so containment cannot be assured even if inflow velocity is acceptable. Both parameters must pass before the cabinet is used for hazardous compounding.

Question 38Engineering Controls

Which feature distinguishes a compounding aseptic containment isolator from a standard biological safety cabinet?

  1. It relies on room air rather than HEPA-filtered supply air
  2. It is a closed system that isolates the work area from the operator and the room Correct answer.
  3. It operates only under positive pressure to protect the product
  4. It requires no external exhaust connection of any kind

Explanation

A containment isolator is a closed barrier system in which the operator is physically separated from the work area, and it is operated under negative pressure for hazardous drugs. It uses HEPA-filtered air and is externally vented. Positive pressure would work against containment.

Question 39Engineering Controls

A hazardous drug buffer room's pressure differential is within range, but the room's air exchange rate has fallen below the required minimum. Why does this matter?

  1. Air exchange rate controls the direction of airflow between rooms
  2. Air exchange rate sets the inflow velocity at the cabinet opening
  3. Inadequate air changes reduce the room's ability to dilute and clear airborne contamination Correct answer.
  4. Air exchange rate determines the HEPA filter's particle removal efficiency

Explanation

Air exchange rate governs how quickly room air is replaced and airborne contamination is diluted and removed. Pressure direction is set by the pressure differential, not by air changes. Filter efficiency and cabinet inflow velocity are separate parameters.

Question 40Engineering Controls

During a hazardous drug transfer, a technician must connect tubing to a vial. Which engineering control configuration provides the appropriate containment for this task?

  1. A biological safety cabinet vented outdoors within a negative-pressure room Correct answer.
  2. An unvented benchtop enclosure in the general pharmacy area
  3. A horizontal laminar flow workbench within a positive-pressure room
  4. A laminar flow hood placed beside an open doorway

Explanation

Hazardous drug transfers require a primary engineering control that is externally vented and located within a negative-pressure buffer room. Horizontal flow hoods, open-doorway placements, and unvented enclosures do not provide the required containment.

Question 41Engineering Controls

A facility is deciding where to install a new biological safety cabinet in a hazardous drug buffer room. Which placement consideration is most important for preserving containment?

  1. Placing the cabinet adjacent to the room's entry door for convenience
  2. Positioning the cabinet directly beneath a ceiling supply diffuser
  3. Installing the cabinet against the wall nearest the room exhaust grille
  4. Locating the cabinet away from doors, high-traffic paths, and supply air currents Correct answer.

Explanation

Air currents from doors, traffic, and supply diffusers can disrupt the cabinet's air curtain and reduce containment. The cabinet should be located away from these disturbances. Proximity to doors or diffusers increases the risk of airflow disruption.

Question 42Engineering Controls

A technician observes that the airflow gauge on a containment ventilated enclosure reads below the acceptable range while hazardous powder is being handled. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

  1. Continue working and recheck the gauge at the end of the shift
  2. Open the enclosure's sash wider to increase airflow
  3. Reduce the amount of powder being weighed and continue
  4. Stop work, secure the material, and report the reading for evaluation Correct answer.

Explanation

A reading outside the acceptable range means containment cannot be assured, so work must stop and the condition reported. Continuing, adjusting the sash, or reducing quantity does not restore verified containment. The enclosure must be evaluated before use resumes.

Question 43Engineering Controls

An engineer proposes using a closed-system transfer device as a substitute for a containment ventilated enclosure when weighing hazardous drug powder. Why is this proposal inadequate?

  1. Closed-system transfer devices eliminate the need for any HEPA filtration
  2. Closed-system transfer devices address liquid transfer connections, not airborne powder generation Correct answer.
  3. Closed-system transfer devices only function inside positive-pressure rooms
  4. Closed-system transfer devices are prohibited in hazardous drug compounding

Explanation

Closed-system transfer devices are designed to prevent release during connection and transfer of liquids. Weighing powder generates airborne particles that require a primary engineering control with source capture. Such devices supplement but do not replace engineering controls.

Question 44Engineering Controls

A pharmacy's hazardous drug room exhaust is HEPA-filtered but returned to the building's general HVAC system rather than discharged outdoors. Why is this design unacceptable?

  1. Recirculation increases the room's air exchange rate beyond design limits
  2. Recirculation causes the buffer room to lose its negative pressure entirely
  3. HEPA filters cannot remove particles from exhaust air
  4. Recirculated exhaust can redistribute hazardous drug residue to other building areas Correct answer.

Explanation

Exhaust from hazardous drug compounding areas must be directed outdoors so that any residual contamination cannot reach other building spaces. HEPA filtration reduces but does not justify recirculation into general areas. Recirculation also does not inherently eliminate negative pressure.

Question 45Facility Cleaning

Which agency sets the enforceable standards for handling hazardous drugs in the workplace, including requirements for a hazardous drug list and safe handling practices?

  1. DEA
  2. OSHA Correct answer.
  3. FDA
  4. USP

Explanation

OSHA enforces workplace safety standards, and its hazardous drug guidance addresses safe handling and the maintenance of a hazardous drug list. USP publishes compounding standards rather than enforceable workplace regulations, and FDA and DEA regulate products and controlled substances respectively.

Question 46Facility Cleaning

How often should a pharmacy's written cleaning and disinfection procedures for sterile compounding areas be reviewed?

  1. At least annually and whenever procedures change Correct answer.
  2. Every five years
  3. Only when a new employee is hired
  4. Only after an infection control audit

Explanation

Cleaning and disinfection procedures should be reviewed at least annually and any time processes or products change so the document stays current. Review tied only to staffing or audits leaves the procedure outdated between events.

Question 47Facility Cleaning

Which practice best prevents cross-contamination when cleaning a compounding area?

  1. Using the same wipe for all surfaces
  2. Cleaning only visibly soiled surfaces
  3. Cleaning from dirtiest to cleanest areas
  4. Cleaning from cleanest to dirtiest areas Correct answer.

Explanation

Cleaning should proceed from the cleanest areas toward the dirtiest so that contaminants are not spread back onto already-clean surfaces. Reusing a single wipe or cleaning only visible soil spreads contamination and misses invisible residue.

Question 48Facility Cleaning

What is the primary purpose of a spill kit in a pharmacy that handles hazardous drugs?

  1. To test surface cleanliness
  2. To document staff training
  3. To contain and clean up spills safely Correct answer.
  4. To store extra gloves and gowns

Explanation

A spill kit holds the absorbent materials, PPE, and waste containers needed to contain and clean a hazardous drug spill safely. It is not a general supply storage box, a training record, or a surface-testing tool.

Question 49Facility Cleaning

Which PPE is required when cleaning a biological safety cabinet used for hazardous drug compounding?

  1. Only exam gloves
  2. Cloth laboratory coat and sandals
  3. No PPE if the cabinet is running
  4. Gloves, gown, and a face mask or eye protection Correct answer.

Explanation

Cleaning a containment cabinet exposes staff to drug residue, so gloves, a gown, and face or eye protection are worn. A running cabinet does not eliminate exposure risk, and cloth coats or bare hands provide inadequate protection.

Question 50Facility Cleaning

What should be done with cleaning supplies used in a hazardous drug compounding area after use?

  1. Returned to the original packaging for reuse
  2. Washed and reused indefinitely
  3. Discarded as hazardous waste per policy Correct answer.
  4. Stored in the general supply closet

Explanation

Wipes and other cleaning materials that contact hazardous drug residue must be handled and discarded as hazardous waste according to policy. Returning them to general storage or reusing them spreads contamination.