Controlled Substances: Laws and Regulations for Pharmacy Technicians

Question 1

Which of the following substances is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act?

Accepted Answer

Oxycodone

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Pseudoephedrine (Schedule V)

Answer

Tramadol (Schedule IV)

Question 2

What is the main purpose of the Controlled Substances Act?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the production, distribution, and use of controlled substances to prevent their abuse and diversion.

Answer

To criminalize the possession of all drugs.

Answer

To provide funding for drug treatment programs.

Question 3

What is the maximum penalty for distributing a Schedule I controlled substance, such as heroin or LSD?

Accepted Answer

Life imprisonment

Answer

5 years imprisonment

Answer

20 years imprisonment

Answer

10 years imprisonment

Question 4

Which of the following is a critical responsibility of a pharmacy technician when handling controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining accurate and complete records of all controlled substances received, dispensed, and destroyed.

Answer

Prescribing medications

Answer

Ordering supplies

Answer

Counseling patients

Question 5

What is the purpose of a triplicate prescription for controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

To create three identical copies of the prescription to provide a record for the prescriber, pharmacy, and the patient.

Answer

To ensure patient safety

Answer

To prevent forgery

Question 6

What should a pharmacy technician do if they suspect a patient is abusing a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse to the supervising pharmacist immediately.

Answer

Call the police

Answer

Confront the patient directly

Answer

Deny the prescription

Question 7

Which method is recommended for the proper disposal of controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Incineration at a DEA-approved facility

Answer

Burying in the ground

Answer

Flushing down the toilet

Answer

Throwing in the trash

Question 8

What is the primary distinction between a controlled substance and a non-controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Controlled substances have a potential for abuse and addiction, while non-controlled substances do not.

Answer

Controlled substances are only available by prescription.

Answer

Controlled substances are more potent than non-controlled substances.

Question 9

Which of the following substances is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under DEA regulations?

Accepted Answer

Morphine

Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Ibuprofen

Question 10

Which schedule of controlled substances includes drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use?

Accepted Answer

Schedule I

Answer

Schedule III

Answer

Schedule IV

Answer

Schedule II

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a red flag that may indicate drug diversion?

Accepted Answer

A patient who is polite and respectful.

Answer

A patient who asks for a large quantity of medication early in the month.

Answer

A patient who pays for a prescription with cash only.

Question 12

What is the primary purpose of a controlled substance log?

Accepted Answer

To accurately record the receipt and dispensing of controlled substances.

Answer

To identify the pharmacy technicians who handle controlled substances.

Answer

To record the names of patients who receive controlled substances.

Question 13

When handling a prescription for a controlled substance, the first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Verify that the prescription is valid.

Answer

Check the patient's ID.

Answer

Dispense the medication.

Answer

Record the transaction in the controlled substance log.

Question 14

Which of the following is a requirement for storing controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

In a locked cabinet or safe that meets DEA regulations.

Answer

In a refrigerator that is used exclusively for controlled substances.

Answer

In the pharmacy technician's workstation that is under constant surveillance.

Answer

On a shelf in the pharmacy that is not accessible to the public.

Question 15

What is the primary ethical responsibility of pharmacy technicians in handling controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

To adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, and to report any suspicious activity.

Answer

To educate patients about the risks and benefits of controlled substances.

Answer

To dispense controlled substances only to patients who have a valid prescription.

Question 16

Which of the following substances is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse?

Accepted Answer

Heroin

Answer

Marijuana (Schedule I in some states, Schedule II federally)

Answer

Xanax (Schedule IV)

Answer

Codeine (Schedule II)

Question 17

Which of the following is a fundamental requirement for the proper storage of controlled substances, as outlined by the DEA?

Accepted Answer

Locked cabinet in a secure location

Answer

Unlabeled container (violates security regulations)

Answer

Publicly accessible area (contradicts the need for secure storage)

Answer

Refrigerated unit (only required for certain temperature-sensitive medications)

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of a DEA registration number?

Accepted Answer

Identifies and authorizes a regulated entity to handle controlled substances

Answer

Serves as a license to practice pharmacy (not specific to controlled substances)

Answer

Certifies a pharmacist's education and qualifications

Answer

Grants permission to import controlled substances (requires a separate import permit)

Question 19

Which of the following ethical responsibilities is paramount for pharmacy technicians in managing controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality and protecting patient health information

Answer

Accepting bribes in exchange for controlled substances (illegal and unethical)

Answer

Altering prescription labels (unethical and illegal)

Answer

Prescribing medications without a doctor's order (exceeds scope of practice)

Question 20

What is a key difference between Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances, as defined by the DEA?

Accepted Answer

Schedule II drugs have a higher potential for abuse and addiction, requiring stricter controls and a prescription for each refill.

Answer

Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs (incorrect; Schedule II drugs have a higher potential for abuse)

Answer

Schedule IV drugs require a prescription for purchase, while Schedule II drugs do not (both require a prescription)

Answer

Schedule II drugs cannot be prescribed for chronic pain, while Schedule IV drugs can (both can be prescribed for chronic pain under certain conditions)

Question 21

What are the potential legal consequences for distributing a Schedule I controlled substance without a valid prescription?

Accepted Answer

Severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines

Answer

Warning letter (insufficient penalty for a serious crime)

Answer

Community service (not a typical penalty for drug distribution offenses)

Answer

License suspension (possible consequence, but not as severe as imprisonment and fines)

Question 22

Which of the following behaviors may be considered a red flag indicating potential controlled substance misuse?

Accepted Answer

Frequent requests for early refills, beyond the prescribed schedule

Answer

Taking medication as prescribed (not a red flag)

Answer

Reporting lost or stolen prescriptions (not necessarily indicative of misuse)

Answer

Using a different pharmacy for each prescription (can be a red flag, but not as common as frequent early refills)

Question 23

What is a primary responsibility of pharmacists in managing controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Supervising the dispensing of controlled substances, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining accurate records.

Answer

Ordering controlled substances without authorization (violates regulations and DEA requirements)

Answer

Prescribing controlled substances directly to patients (exceeds scope of practice)

Answer

Filling prescriptions for controlled substances without proper verification (negligent and illegal)

Question 24

What is the appropriate action for a pharmacy technician to take if they suspect a prescription for a controlled substance may be fraudulent?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspicion to the pharmacist immediately and follow established protocols.

Answer

Ignore the suspicion and process the prescription (unethical and potentially illegal)

Answer

Fill the prescription without question (negligent and violates ethical and legal obligations)

Answer

Call the doctor's office for verification (may delay appropriate action)

Question 25

Which Schedule of the Controlled Substances Act includes drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use?

Accepted Answer

Schedule I

Answer

Schedule III

Answer

Schedule II

Answer

Schedule IV

Question 26

Which of the following is the essential requirement for dispensing a controlled substance to a patient?

Accepted Answer

Valid prescription

Answer

Insurance coverage

Answer

Third-party verification

Answer

Patient consent

Question 27

When should a pharmacy technician report suspicious activity related to controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Immediately

Answer

Within 24 hours

Answer

Within 7 days

Answer

By the end of the day

Question 28

Which type of controlled substance is primarily used to relieve pain?

Accepted Answer

Opioid

Answer

Benzodiazepine

Answer

Antidepressant

Answer

Stimulant

Question 29

Which of the following is an example of a Schedule V controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Cough syrup with codeine

Answer

Morphine

Answer

Heroin

Answer

Cocaine

Question 30

What is the overarching purpose of the Controlled Substances Act?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the manufacture, distribution, and use of controlled substances

Answer

To prevent the sale of alcohol to minors

Answer

To regulate the practice of pharmacy

Question 31

Which classification level of controlled substances poses the highest risk for abuse and dependence?

Accepted Answer

Schedule I

Answer

Schedule II

Answer

Schedule IV

Answer

Schedule III

Question 32

According to the Controlled Substances Act, which of the following drug types falls under Schedule II classification?

Accepted Answer

Substances with high potential for abuse and potential for severe dependence

Answer

Substances with no currently accepted medical use

Answer

Substances used exclusively in research

Question 33

Which federal agency is tasked with regulating controlled substances in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Answer

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Answer

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of maintaining an inventory for controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

To monitor and record the receipt, usage, and disposal of controlled substances

Answer

To solely identify potential diversion activities

Answer

To solely prevent theft or loss of controlled substances

Question 35

When prescribing a Schedule II controlled substance, what type of prescription is required?

Accepted Answer

Written prescription

Answer

Facsimile prescription

Answer

Verbal prescription

Answer

Electronic prescription

Question 36

Which of the following is an example of an opioid analgesic, which is a type of controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Morphine

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Aspirin

Answer

Acetaminophen

Question 37

What is the generic name for the drug commonly known by the brand name Xanax?

Accepted Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Lorazepam

Answer

Clonazepam

Answer

Diazepam

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a class of controlled substances defined by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)?

Accepted Answer

Class B

Answer

Class III

Answer

Class I

Answer

Class II

Question 39

A prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance must be:

Accepted Answer

Written, signed, and dated by the prescriber.

Answer

Electronic and transmitted to the pharmacy.

Answer

Verbal and recorded by the pharmacy.

Answer

Faxed and verified by the pharmacist.

Question 40

Who is primarily responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records of controlled substances in the pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

The pharmacy manager or a designated staff member.

Answer

The pharmacy technician who dispenses the medication.

Answer

The pharmacist on duty.

Answer

The patient receiving the medication.

Question 41

What is the potential penalty for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance without a valid prescription?

Accepted Answer

Up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $2 million.

Answer

Up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

Answer

Up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1 million.

Question 42

What is the primary role of a pharmacy technician in preventing drug diversion?

Accepted Answer

Reporting suspicious activities and adhering to established protocols.

Answer

Prescribing and dispensing medications independently.

Answer

Performing drug screenings on patients.

Question 43

Which of the following substances is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Oxycodone

Answer

Fluoxetine (an antidepressant)

Answer

Ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

Answer

Albuterol (a bronchodilator)

Question 44

What is the primary objective of the Controlled Substances Act?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the manufacture, distribution, and use of controlled substances to prevent misuse and diversion.

Answer

To provide treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals with substance use disorders.

Answer

To impose severe penalties on individuals who violate controlled substance laws.

Question 45

Which of the following requirements must be met when dispensing a Schedule III controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

A written prescription from a licensed prescriber.

Answer

A verbal order from a prescriber.

Answer

A prescription from a veterinarian.

Answer

A patient's signature on a triplicate form.

Question 46

What is the primary responsibility of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in relation to controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

To enforce the Controlled Substances Act and its regulations.

Answer

To provide training and education to pharmacy technicians on controlled substance handling.

Answer

To develop and implement new regulations governing controlled substances.

Answer

To conduct research on the effects and properties of controlled substances.

Question 47

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of misusing controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Addiction and dependence.

Answer

Increased energy levels.

Answer

Enhanced cognitive abilities.

Answer

Reduced pain perception.

Question 48

What is the pharmacist's primary duty when filling a prescription for a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

To verify the validity and appropriateness of the prescription according to applicable laws and regulations.

Answer

To identify the patient and confirm their identity.

Answer

To provide comprehensive counseling to the patient about the medication.

Question 49

Which of the following is a common sign or symptom of controlled substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

Significant changes in behavior or personality.

Answer

Weight gain.

Answer

Improved sleep quality.

Answer

Increased appetite.

Question 50

What is the key distinction between Schedule IV and Schedule V controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Schedule IV substances have a lower potential for abuse and dependence compared to Schedule V substances.

Answer

Schedule V substances are more potent than Schedule IV substances.

Question 51

Which of the following controlled substances is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Answer

Aspirin (a pain reliever)

Answer

Acetaminophen (a pain reliever)

Answer

Amoxicillin (an antibiotic)