Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

How should a pharmacy technician respond if a liquid medication is prescribed in a dose that exceeds the normal volume for a single administration?

1. Dispense without concerns

2. Consult the prescribing physician

3. Inform the patient to take half

4. Reduce the dose without consulting

The correct answer is: Consult the prescribing physician

When a liquid medication is prescribed in a dose that exceeds the normal volume for a single administration, consulting the prescribing physician is the appropriate response. This action ensures patient safety and medication efficacy. Pharmacy technicians must recognize the importance of adhering to standard dosing guidelines, as doses that exceed normal limits can lead to increased risk of adverse effects or toxicity. By consulting the physician, the technician allows for a professional assessment of the necessity of such a high dose and whether it could be modified safely. This collaboration ensures that the patient receives the correct dosage tailored to their specific needs while minimizing the potential for medication errors. The other choices lack proper adherence to safety protocols. Dispensing without concerns can put a patient’s health at risk, while informing the patient to take half does not address the need for a professional decision on dosing. Reducing the dose without consulting would not only compromise patient safety but also violate ethical standards and scope of practice for pharmacy technicians.