Dosing, Interactions, Side Effects, Storage & Stability — Pharmacy Technician Practice Test

This Pharmacy Technician Dosing, Interactions, Side Effects, Storage & Stability practice set has 60 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation.

Sample questions

Three questions from the Dosing, Interactions, Side Effects, Storage & Stability bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

1. Which dosage form is designed to release medication slowly over an extended period and should generally NOT be crushed or chewed?

   • Extended-release (ER/XL) tablet — Correct answer
   • Chewable tablet
   • Oral suspension
   • Immediate-release tablet

   Explanation: Extended-release tablets use a special matrix or coating to release drug slowly over hours; crushing destroys that mechanism and can dump the full dose at once, risking toxicity. (Source: PTCE Domain 1, 1.4)

   Handbook: Dosage Forms & Routes — Dosage Forms

2. An enteric-coated tablet is designed to do what?

   • Resist dissolving in the stomach and dissolve in the small intestine — Correct answer
   • Dissolve instantly under the tongue
   • Release drug through the skin over days
   • Dissolve in the mouth without water

   Explanation: The enteric coating protects the drug from stomach acid (or protects the stomach from the drug) and allows dissolution in the small intestine; crushing destroys the coating. (Source: PTCE Domain 1, 1.4)

   Handbook: Dosage Forms & Routes — Dosage Forms

3. What does the abbreviation "PO" mean on a prescription?

   • By mouth (orally) — Correct answer
   • Per rectum
   • Sublingual
   • Subcutaneous

   Explanation: PO stands for the Latin "per os," meaning by mouth/orally, the most common route of administration. (Source: PTCE Domain 1, 1.4)

   Handbook: Dosage Forms & Routes — Routes of Administration