Question 1

What are the six required elements on a valid prescription?

Accepted Answer

A valid prescription must include: date written, prescriber name and DEA number (if controlled), patient name, drug name/strength/quantity, directions for use, and number of refills authorized.

Question 2

Why must a pharmacy technician verify a prescriber's DEA number on a controlled substance prescription?

Accepted Answer

The DEA number authenticates that the prescriber is federally registered to prescribe controlled substances; a fake or invalid DEA number is a red flag for prescription fraud and must be escalated to the pharmacist.

Question 3

A patient hands you a handwritten prescription with no date. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

The prescription is incomplete without a date; the technician should bring it to the pharmacist's attention immediately, as a missing date makes the prescription invalid and it cannot be filled until clarified with the prescriber.

Question 4

How many refills are permitted for a Schedule III or Schedule IV controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances may be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months from the date the prescription was written; after that, a new prescription is required.

Question 5

Which DEA schedule includes benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and diazepam?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines like alprazolam and diazepam are classified as Schedule IV — they have a low abuse potential relative to Schedule III drugs, an accepted medical use, and limited physical or psychological dependence risk.

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