Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

Which medication listed is not safe to be accessed freely due to PPPA requirements?

1. Insulin

2. Nitroglycerin

3. Acetaminophen

4. Morphine

The correct answer is: Morphine

The correct choice is Morphine, as it is classified as a controlled substance and is subject to strict regulations under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The primary purpose of the PPPA is to prevent accidental poisoning, particularly in children, by requiring that certain medications be packaged in child-resistant containers. While acetaminophen, insulin, and nitroglycerin are important medications with safety packaging considerations, they do not have the same level of restriction as morphine, which poses a higher risk for abuse, overdose, and severe consequences if ingested improperly. The regulations surrounding morphine reflect its potential for misuse and the necessity for higher control in its distribution and access.