Pharmacy Technician Licensing Examination (Эм найруулагчийн мэргэжлийн үйл ажиллагаа эрхлэх зөвшөөрлийн шалгалт, Mongolia)

A pharmacy technician is preparing divided powders (нунтаг эм) containing a potent active pharmaceutical ingredient prescribed in small milligram quantities. Which compounding technique must be used to ensure uniform blending with the diluent?

• AGeometric dilution
• BAdding the potent drug to the entire quantity of diluent at once and triturating for long…
• CMixing all ingredients together by spatulation on an ointment tile in a single step
• DSifting the potent drug alone through a fine sieve and then sprinkling it on top of the d…

A pharmacy technician needs to prepare 500 mL of a 0.9% (w/v) normal saline solution (sodium chloride) for topical irrigation. How many grams of sodium chloride powder are required?

• A0.45 g
• B4.5 g
• C45.0 g
• D9.0 g

When compounding an extemporaneous suspension containing an insoluble solid drug powder, what pharmaceutical agent is added to reduce interfacial tension and ensure uniform particle dispersion in the liquid vehicle?

• APreservative
• BAntioxidant
• CWetting agent
• DChelating agent

Which auxiliary cautionary label should be affixed to every bottle of oral or topical liquid suspension dispensed by the pharmacy?

• ATake with fruit juice only
• BProtect from oxygen only
• CDo not swallow
• DShake well before use

Under standard pharmacopoeial storage definitions, what temperature range applies to the cold-chain storage of thermolabile pharmaceuticals such as insulins, vaccines and oxytocin?

• A+2°C to +8°C
• B-10°C to 0°C
• C+15°C to +25°C
• D+8°C to +15°C

A pharmacy technician is asked to prepare 200 mL of 70% (v/v) ethyl alcohol disinfectant from a stock supply of 95% (v/v) ethyl alcohol. How many milliliters of 95% alcohol are needed?

• A100.0 mL
• B147.4 mL
• C180.0 mL
• D133.3 mL

Which of the following pharmaceutical vehicles is oleaginous (lipophilic / тосон суурь) and insoluble in water, commonly used to prepare occlusive protective ointments?

• APolyethylene glycol (PEG)
• BCarboxymethylcellulose gel
• CWhite petrolatum (Цагаан вазелин)
• DPurified water

What is the primary method of sterilization used for aqueous, heat-stable solutions (such as isotonic sodium chloride or glucose solutions in glass containers) in pharmacy practice?

• AEthylene oxide gas sterilization
• BDry heat oven at 100°C for 5 minutes
• CDirect ultraviolet light exposure through glass
• DMoist heat autoclaving (уураар ариутгах) at 121°C for 15-20 minutes under 15 psi pressure

When compounding sterile ophthalmic solutions (нүдний дусаалга), which physical property must be adjusted to match normal human tears (~280-300 mOsm/L) to prevent ocular pain and tissue damage?

• AOsmotic pressure / tonicity
• BpH
• CViscosity
• DSurface tension

A prescription calls for Amoxicillin 250 mg oral suspension three times daily for 7 days. The available stock concentration is 125 mg / 5 mL. How many total milliliters of the suspension must be dispensed to complete the 7-day course?

• A105 mL
• B210 mL
• C150 mL
• D300 mL

Which medicinal plant used in Mongolian pharmacy practice is valued mainly for leaf infusions with a mild hemostatic action and a high content of vitamin K, vitamin C and chlorophyll?

• AWild thyme (Thymus spp. / Ганга)
• BLicorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis / Чихэр өвс)
• CStinging nettle (Urtica dioica / Халгай)
• DSea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides / Чацаргана)

What is the primary therapeutic indication and key pharmaceutical constituent of the Mongolian medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Чихэр өвс / Уралын чихэр өвс)?

• ACardiac glycoside source used to strengthen heart contraction
• BAnthraquinone laxative used for constipation, like rhubarb or senna
• CSedative source of valerenic acid used for insomnia, like valerian
• DExpectorant and anti-inflammatory containing glycyrrhizin, used in cough mixtures and her…

Which of the following describes the correct procedure for maintaining a laminar airflow workbench (LAFW / ариун орчны шүүгээ) prior to compounding sterile preparations in a hospital pharmacy?

• ARun the blower for at least 30 minutes, clean all interior surfaces with 70% isopropyl al…
• BTurn on the hood immediately before compounding and wipe surfaces from front to back with…
• CClean the work surface with 70% alcohol, wiping from the front edge back toward the HEPA…
• DWork close to the front opening of the hood so that hands stay out of the airflow

A pharmacy technician is calculating the powder displacement volume. If 1 g of ampicillin powder displaces 0.8 mL of water, how much sterile water for injection must be added to a vial containing 2 g of ampicillin powder to obtain a final concentration of 250 mg/mL?

• A8.0 mL
• B6.4 mL
• C5.0 mL
• D7.2 mL

Which of the following active pharmaceutical ingredients is classified as hygroscopic (чийг татагч) and requires airtight containers with desiccants to prevent liquefaction or hydrolytic decomposition?

• ATalcum powder (Тальк)
• BLiquid paraffin
• CCalcium chloride (Кальцийн хлорид)
• DZinc oxide

What is the primary therapeutic class and common adverse gastrointestinal effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac, indomethacin)?

• ASevere hypoglycemia due to pancreatic insulin release
• BUrinary retention due to beta-2 adrenergic stimulation
• CDry mouth caused by central histamine-1 receptor stimulation
• DGastric mucosal irritation and peptic ulceration due to systemic inhibition of protective…

A patient with hypertension is prescribed enalapril. What is the pharmacological mechanism of action of enalapril?

• AAngiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
• BBeta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist
• CLoop diuretic
• DDirect calcium channel blocker

What is the maximum daily adult dosage of paracetamol (acetaminophen) recommended to avoid the risk of severe acute hepatotoxicity?

• A2,000 mg
• B4,000 mg (4 grams in 24 hours)
• C6,000 mg
• D8,000 mg

Which cautionary advice is appropriate on an oral liquid or syrup containing a significant amount of sucrose or glucose when it is dispensed to a patient with diabetes?

• AProtect from freezing only
• BTake only with high-fat meals
• CContains sugar: caution for people with diabetes
• DFor external application only

What is the primary therapeutic indication of oral rehydration salts (ORS) formulated according to WHO/UNICEF reduced-osmolarity standards?

• AEradication of intestinal helminths
• BTreatment of iron deficiency anemia
• CImmediate reduction of arterial blood pressure
• DPrevention and treatment of dehydration and electrolyte loss caused by acute diarrhea

A prescription requires compounding 60 grams of a 2% sulfur ointment using a 10% sulfur stock ointment and plain white petrolatum diluent. Using the alligation alternate method, how many grams of the 10% ointment and white petrolatum are needed?

• A12 g of 10% ointment and 48 g of white petrolatum
• B20 g of 10% ointment and 40 g of white petrolatum
• C30 g of 10% ointment and 30 g of white petrolatum
• D6 g of 10% ointment and 54 g of white petrolatum

When compounding suppository bases using cocoa butter (Theobroma oil / какаогийн тос), why must the technician avoid overheating the molten base above 35°C?

• AOverheating causes rapid evaporation of the base and loss of volume
• BOverheating converts cocoa butter into unstable polymorphic forms (alpha and gamma) with…
• COverheating hydrolyses the cocoa butter into free fatty acids that irritate the rectal mu…
• DOverheating raises the melting point so that the suppositories no longer melt at body tem…

What is the primary pharmaceutical advantage of film-coated tablets (бүрхүүлтэй шахмал) compared to plain uncoated tablets?

• AMaking the tablet safe to split or crush without any effect on how the drug is released
• BDelaying drug release until the tablet reaches the small intestine
• CMasking unpleasant taste and odor, protecting the active drug from moisture and light, an…
• DIncreasing the amount of active drug that each tablet can contain

A patient taking oral ciprofloxacin presents with an upset stomach and asks the pharmacy technician if they can take calcium carbonate antacid tablets at the same time. What should the technician advise under the pharmacist's supervision?

• ATake both medications together with a large glass of milk to increase absorption
• BDouble the ciprofloxacin dose whenever taking calcium antacids
• CCrush the ciprofloxacin tablet and mix it directly into the antacid suspension
• DDo not take ciprofloxacin and calcium antacids simultaneously; space the antacid at least…

What is the active therapeutic constituent and primary use of oil extracted from Sea buckthorn berries (Чацарганы тос / Hippophae rhamnoides) in Mongolian clinical and pharmacy practice?

• ARich in unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and vitamin E; used as a tissue-regeneratin…
• BA source of cardiac glycosides used to slow the heart rate
• CA stimulant laxative oil used for bowel preparation, like castor oil
• DA volatile-oil antiseptic inhaled for colds, like thyme or eucalyptus oil

Which of the following pharmaceutical dosage forms is designed to release the drug in the small intestine rather than the stomach, and must NEVER be crushed or chewed by the patient?

• AEffervescent tablets
• BEnteric-coated tablets (Гэдсэнд уусдаг бүрхүүлтэй шахмал)
• CSublingual tablets
• DChewable antacid tablets

A pharmacy technician is dispensing nitroglycerin sublingual tablets to a patient with angina pectoris. What crucial patient counseling and storage instruction must be communicated?

• ATransfer the tablets to a plastic daily pill organizer with several compartments
• BKeep the bottle in the bathroom cabinet so that it is always close at hand
• CKeep the tablets in their original glass container with the cap tightly closed, protect f…
• DDiscard the tablets if they cause a tingling or burning sensation under the tongue

What is the primary function of an antioxidant (such as ascorbic acid or sodium metabisulfite) added during the extemporaneous compounding of pharmaceutical solutions?

• AIncrease the sweetness of pediatric syrups
• BServe as a primary emulsifying agent for mineral oil
• CAccelerate the rate of tablet disintegration in water
• DPrevent chemical oxidation and degradation of oxygen-sensitive drug molecules

A physician prescribes 1,000 mL of 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W) to be infused over 8 hours. The intravenous infusion set has a drop factor of 15 drops/mL. What is the calculated flow rate in drops per minute (gtts/min)?

• A31 drops/min
• B21 drops/min
• C42 drops/min
• D15 drops/min

Which of the following pharmaceutical incompatibilities represents a physical incompatibility during the compounding of liquid mixtures?

• AHydrolysis of an ester bond yielding an acid and alcohol
• BImmiscibility of oil and water phases or precipitation of an organic drug when mixed with…
• COxidation of epinephrine to adrenochrome turning pink
• DEnzymatic degradation of penicillin by beta-lactamase

What is the common pharmaceutical use and botanical identity of wild thyme (Thymus spp. / Ганга өвс) in Mongolian pharmacy compounding?

• AA source of cardiac glycosides used in heart failure
• BA bitter tonic used mainly to stimulate the appetite, like wormwood
• CWild thyme, containing volatile thymol; used as an expectorant, antiseptic, and antibacte…
• DA hemostatic herb used mainly to stop bleeding, like nettle

What is the metric mass equivalent of 1 kilogram (kg) expressed in grams (g) and milligrams (mg)?

• A100 g and 10,000 mg
• B10 g and 1,000 mg
• C10,000 g and 100,000,000 mg
• D1,000 g and 1,000,000 mg

When inspecting an incoming shipment of pharmaceuticals at the pharmacy receiving dock, what must the pharmacy technician verify first before stocking medications on shelves?

• AIntact container seals, physical packaging integrity, correct item description, batch num…
• BOnly that the number of cartons matches the delivery note; the contents are checked when…
• COnly the expiry dates, because seals and batch numbers are the wholesaler's responsibility
• DOnly the invoice prices and totals, so that payment can be approved promptly

Which of the following pharmaceutical dosage forms consists of two immiscible liquid phases (such as oil and water) stabilized by an emulsifying agent?

• ATrue solution
• BEmulsion
• CTincture
• DAromatic water

What is the primary route of administration for a pharmaceutical sublingual tablet (хэлэн дор тавих шахмал)?

• ASwallowed whole with water so that it dissolves in the stomach
• BPlaced between the cheek and gum and left to dissolve slowly over several hours
• CPlaced under the tongue to dissolve rapidly and absorb through the oral mucosa directly i…
• DDissolved in a glass of water before drinking

A prescription requests 100 mL of a 1:1,000 (w/v) potassium permanganate (KMnO4) antiseptic solution. How many milligrams of potassium permanganate crystals must the technician weigh?

• A1,000 mg
• B10 mg
• C50 mg
• D100 mg

Which of the following pharmaceutical excipients is commonly incorporated into solid tablet formulations as a lubricant to prevent granules from sticking to the tablet punch and die during compression?

• AMagnesium stearate (Магнийн стеарат)
• BLactose monohydrate
• CMicrocrystalline cellulose
• DPovidone (PVP)

A stock solution of chlorhexidine gluconate is 20% (w/v). A technician is instructed to prepare 1 liter (1,000 mL) of a 0.05% (w/v) wound cleansing solution. How many milliliters of the 20% stock solution are needed?

• A25.0 mL
• B2.5 mL
• C0.25 mL
• D5.0 mL

What is the primary pharmaceutical application and active components of rose hips (Rosa spp. / Нохойн хошууны жимс) in Mongolian pharmacy compounding?

• ARich in tannins; used mainly as an astringent for diarrhea, like oak bark
• BRich in volatile oil; used mainly as an inhaled antiseptic
• CHigh natural content of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and flavonoids; formulated in multivita…
• DRich in anthraquinones; used mainly as a stimulant laxative

Why must narcotic (мансууруулах) and psychotropic (сэтгэцэд нөлөөт) medicines, such as morphine, fentanyl and diazepam, be kept in a locked cabinet or safe with a running stock record?

• AMainly to protect them from light and humidity
• BMainly so that stock can be counted once a year for tax purposes
• CMainly because they must all be kept below +8°C
• DTo prevent unauthorized access, accidental poisoning, diversion, and ensure strict accoun…

When reconstituting a multi-dose antibiotic dry powder for oral suspension (e.g., amoxicillin powder for suspension), which liquid vehicle must be used?

• APurified water (Цэвэршүүлсэн ус) at room temperature
• BBoiling hot tap water directly from a kettle
• CCarbonated mineral water
• DWhole cow's milk

What is the Young's rule formula used to calculate a child's dosage from an adult dosage based on age?

• AChild dose = [Weight in kg / 70] x Adult dose
• BChild dose = [Age in years / (Age in years + 12)] x Adult dose
• CChild dose = [Age in months / 150] x Adult dose
• DChild dose = [Body Surface Area in m2 / 1.73] x Adult dose

What is the primary mechanism of action and clinical utility of activated charcoal (Идэвхжүүлсэн нүүрс) when administered in the emergency management of acute oral drug overdoses?

• AChemically neutralizes acids and alkalis in the stomach
• BInduces vomiting to empty the stomach
• CAdsorbs ingested toxins and drugs directly onto its porous surface within the gastrointes…
• DBinds the poison in the bloodstream and carries it to the kidneys for excretion

Which of the following pharmaceutical preservatives is an organic mercurial compound historically used in multi-dose ophthalmic and biological products, requiring strict limits due to potential sensitization and toxicity?

• ASodium benzoate
• BMethylparaben
• CBenzalkonium chloride
• DThimerosal (Тиомерсал)

A patient taking warfarin for a mechanical heart valve asks the pharmacy for an over-the-counter pain reliever. Why should acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) not be sold without the prescriber's approval?

• AAspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and can irritate the gastric mucosa, adding to warf…
• BAspirin completely neutralizes the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, causing immediate th…
• CAspirin is a problem only at anti-inflammatory doses above 3 g a day; low doses add no bl…
• DAspirin combined with warfarin mainly causes dangerous hyperkalemia

Under USP General Chapter <795>, what beyond-use date (BUD) applies to a non-sterile, water-containing oral preparation compounded without a preservative and stored in a refrigerator?

• AExactly 2 years from date of compounding
• BNot later than 14 days when stored at controlled cold temperatures (+2°C to +8°C)
• C6 months at room temperature
• D1 day only

Which of the following pharmaceutical liquids is formulated as a sweetened, hydroalcoholic solution containing water and ethanol (typically 10-20% alcohol) to dissolve both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble drug ingredients?

• ASyrup (Сироп)
• BMagma
• CElixir (Эликсир)
• DMucilage