MCQ PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDING TEST

Test No 01 for Pharmaceutical compounding students

1. Examination number: ………………………………….. NACTE Registration number: …………………………………….
PST 04209; Competence Test Exam 24-Sep-19 11:47:30 AM Page 1

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDING
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Instructions:
 This section consists of seventy (70) questions
 Choose the letter of the most correct answer and write in the box provided using CAPITAL
letter.
 Responses with SMALL letters will NOT be awarded any mark.

1) This is the reason why pharmaceutical compounding is an integral part of pharmacy
practice:
A. It prepares, mixes, and assembles packaging and labeling of a drug product.
B. Essential component of health care
C. It lowers market price of branded medicines
D. Provides out of stock medicines
E. Changes flavor of adult medications

2) The following is counted as complex Multi-component preparation in pharmaceutical
compounding:
A. Preparation of atropine divided powders
B. Preparation of 25% mannitol Infusion
C. Preparation of calcium hydroxide solution
D. Preparation of chloroform spirit
E. Preparation of hydrogen peroxide mouth wash

3) Measuring cylinder in pharmaceutical laboratory:
A. Is useful in holding semi-viscous liquids
B. Is used to suck liquids of different sizes
C. Can be used for stirring of insoluble solids in water
D. Is used to measure costs and liquids
E. Measures a liquid of 5 liters capacity

4) Which of the following is INCORRECT on how to use digital balance?
A. Add the material to be weighed until the correct weight is displayed
B. Ensure the balance leveled with the working environment
C. Make sure the balance arm can move freely
D. Ensure draught – free environment
E. Place a piece of paper on the pan

2. Examination number: ………………………………….. NACTE Registration number: …………………………………….
PST 04209; Competence Test Exam 24-Sep-19 11:47:30 AM Page 2

5) One of the following is not a characteristic of equipment required for pharmaceutical
compounding:
A. Containing impervious composition
B. Stabilize drug content
C. Protect drug identity
D. Protect drug purity
E. Suitably located

6) Glass mortars are:
A. Used in mix materials and reduce size of highly friable materials
B. Ideal for size reduction of solids because of rough surface
C. Used in filtration process
D. Rougher inside surface
E. Not easily washable

7) Calibrated droppers are:
A. Used to administer small quantities of powder
B. Used to administer large quantities of powder
C. Common in calibrating liquids measurements
D. Used to administer large quantities of liquid
E. Used to govern small quantities of liquid

8) One of the following is a reason for compounding:
A. To maximize strength of medication
B. To color medicine for a patient
C. To reformulate the drug to include an unwanted ingredient
D. To discover new medicine for external use
E. To flavor syrup for preparation

9) The main label should clearly state the following EXCEPT:
A. The name of the dispenser
B. Storage condition
C. The date of dispensing
D. The patient address
E. Dose and instruction for use

3. Examination number: ………………………………….. NACTE Registration number: …………………………………….
PST 04209; Competence Test Exam 24-Sep-19 11:47:30 AM Page 3

10) One of the following IS NOT one of the types of Mortar and pestle:
A. Glass mortar and pestle
B. Aluminum mortar and pestle
C. Metal mortar and pestle
D. Wooden mortar and pestle
E. Porcelain mortar and pestle

11) Trituration means:
A. The technique of caring out mixing material
B. The technique of mixing gessoes materials
C. The technique of mixing semi-solid materials
D. The technique of increasing size of powder
E. The technique of solids decantation

12) For safety reason, personnel responsible for cleaning of pharmaceutical equipment
should do the following:
A. Wear transparent gloves
B. Follow his own Operating procedures
C. Soak hands in soap water for 5 minutes
D. Use same towel for drying apparatus and working environment
E. Use face mask for fume gas products

13) Preventive maintenance of compounding equipments and apparatus involves the
following procedure
A. Pipette, test tubes, stirring rods, containers and measuring cylinders are stored while
they are in upside down position.
B. Protecting working space from dust and dirt after use by keeping them covered.
C. Switching off and unplugging porcelain mortals when they are not in use.
D. Cover weighing scale pane with filter paper or x-ray film to avoid corrosion
E. Store closures as per manufactures instruction.

14) The synonym for aromatic magnesium carbonate mixture
A. Lugol’s Solution
B. Lime Water
C. Mistura Carminativa
D. Mistura Kaolin Alkalina
E. Spiritus Methae Piperitae

4. Examination number: ………………………………….. NACTE Registration number: …………………………………….
PST 04209; Competence Test Exam 24-Sep-19 11:47:30 AM Page 4

15) The synonym for calcium hydroxide solution
A. Lugol’s Solution
B. Lime Water
C. Mistura Carminativa
D. Mistura Kaolin Alkalina
E. Spiritus Methae Piperitae

16) This ingredient is not required in compounding of Ammonium chloride mixture
A. Ammonium chloride
B. Water for preparation
C. Ipecacuanha tincture
D. Aromatic Ammonium solution
E. Liquorices liquid extract

17) During compounding of salicylic acid ointment
A. Wool alcohol is used as ointment base
B. Salicylic acid should not be finely sifted
C. Incorrect weighing could lead to irritation of skin
D. Geometrical stirring is required
E. Hard paraffin is one of the ingredient

18) In hospital settings, compounding of pharmaceutical products is allowed in the
following areas
A. In OPD pharmacy
B. In pharmaceutical institutes
C. In nursing stations
D. In compounding laboratory
E. Main pharmacy store

19) Storage of weighing balance requires, the following step
A. Soak in soap water when cleaning balances
B. Use x-ray films to cover balances after use
C. Batteries should be removed when items are not in use
D. Return balances to their original boxes after use
E. Store pointers to their original storage box after using them

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20) There are different containers for packaging of pharmaceutical products in
compounding
A. Fluted bottle is not recommend in skin applications
B. Hexagonal amber fluted bottle with a rubber teat is used is used for packaging of
hydrogen peroxide mouth wash
C. Plain amber medicine bottle is used for packaging of calamine ointment
D. Collapsible metal tube is used for packaging of ultrasound gel
E. Plastic jar is used for packaging of methyl salicylate liniment

21) The following pharmaceutical product is categorized as oral liquid preparation
A. Compound calamine application
B. Dalibour water
C. Eserine eye drop
D. Ipecacuanha emetic
E. Darrow’s solution

22) Container of choice for light sensitive liquid preparations is required to;
A. Protect the contents from bio hazards
B. Provide protection from moisture and oxygen
C. Be sufficiently transparent
D. React with the contents.
E. Demote patient compliance

23) Class A tortion balance is also called
A. Compounding balance
B. Electronic balance
C. Type A balance
D. Scale balance
E. Prescription balance

24) Inappropriate information about Electronic balance is that
A. Weigh quantities as large as 300g and as small as 1mg
B. It is battery operated device
C. Weigh small quantities of materials
D. Measure low volume of materials
E. Has relatively low investment

6. Examination number: ………………………………….. NACTE Registration number: …………………………………….
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25) Balances not be situated in the following areas
A. In areas of low humidity
B. On flat areas
C. On non-vibrating surface
D. Areas with vents
E. In areas without metal chemicals

26) One of the following volumes is of micropipettes
A. 1ml
B. 2ml
C. 5ml
D. 10ml
E. 10µl

27) In compounding laboratory, an alternative apparatus for 1ml pipette is
A. Burette
B. Dropper
C. Measuring cylinder
D. Conical flask
E. Test tube

28) A general rule that is used during selection of measuring equipment is that;
A. Select a fluted bottles for all measuring equipments
B. Meniscus should be taken at the button curvature and not on angles
C. Graduates capacity should be equal or above the volume to be measured
D. Preparations for internal use should be dispensed in plain bottles,
E. Use amber colored bottle for light sensitive volumes

29) Mortar scrapers can be made out of
A. Broken beakers
B. Aluminum materials
C. Metal materials
D. Used stirring rod
E. Used x-ray films

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30) One of the following is NOT heat source to boil water in compounding laboratories
A. Alcohol lamp
B. Electric kettle
C. Analytical cooker
D. Kerosene lamp
E. Gas cooker

31) Features of compounding section for non-sterile pharmaceutical products
A. Tiled wall with heavy color
B. Terrazzo floor with deck painted cement
C. Cupboard to store powdered ingredients
D. Formica free benches
E. Rack on the wall to dry equipment

32) Rule for the use of dispensing balance
A. Make sure the balance is at draught environment to aid good weighing
B. Perform a trial swing to observe inaccurate adjustment by observing equal
movement of pointer
C. Weighing greater or smaller than the capacity of a balance can be attempted
D. Semi-solid material should be weighed directly on weighing pan
E. Weigh a second substance on top of the remains of the first at the weighing pan

33) If the scale-pan of weighing balance is not well cleaned during preparations, it could
lead to the following effect to ingredients
A. Cross contamination
B. Double trituration
C. Geometrical mixing
D. Drug segregation
E. Drug caking

34) Metal spatula is allowed to be used when transferring the following medication to a
weighing balance
A. Iodine
B. Salicylic acid
C. Potassium permanganate
D. Ampicillin powder
E. Chlorinated lime

8. Examination number: ………………………………….. NACTE Registration number: …………………………………….
PST 04209; Competence Test Exam 24-Sep-19 11:47:30 AM Page 8

35) The following apparatus is not proper during measuring because it increases the
diameter of a meniscus
A. Burette
B. Pipette
C. Beaker
D. Measuring cylinder
E. Conical flask

36) Why blow-out pipettes are discouraged in compounding practice?
A. Increases the volume unexpectedly
B. Drain out some liquids unexpectedly
C. Contributes to higher pressure inside the pipette
D. Reduce the performance of pipette by decreasing the pressure
E. For hygienic reasons

37) This finger is used to close the pipette after sucking volume to the required graduation
marker
A. Thumb finger
B. Ring finger
C. Index finger
D. Middle finger
E. Little finger

38) These ingredients do not dissolve more quickly at higher temperature
A. Sodium chloride and paraldehyde
B. Hydrogen bicarbonate and benzene
C. Fructose sugar and phenol
D. Magnesium carbonate and ethanol
E. Calcium hydroxide and polyvinyl chloride

39) Product dissolution can be aided by the following methods EXCEPT
A. Agitation
B. Shaking
C. Stirring
D. Boiling
E. Freezing

9. Examination number: ………………………………….. NACTE Registration number: …………………………………….
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40) Instruments used for compounding include;
A. Weighing balance
B. Beaker (glass and plastic)
C. Measuring cylinders
D. Pipette
E. Mortar and pestle

41) The reason of performing drug-reformulation in compounding practice is that;
A. To adjust strength or dosage
B. To ensure the patient is getting the right drug
C. To exclude nonessential ingredients
D. To ensure medication are not out of stock
E. To be familiar with excipients in a medication

42) Compounding area of hospital pharmacy doesn’t requires
A. Pharmaceutical dispenser
B. Nursing officer
C. Pharmaceutical assistant
D. Pharmaceutical technician
E. Pharmacist

43) The following is an apparatus that is used for compounding
A. Reverse Osmosis machine
B. Autoclave machine
C. Weighing balance
D. Water bath
E. Muslin

44) This equipment is used to separate, identify, and quantify each component in a mixture
A. Tablet compression machine
B. Fluidized bed drier
C. Coating machine
D. HPLC machine
E. Dissolution

45) Position of forefinger while using pipette
A. At 45 degree angle of pipette
B. At the bottom of pipette
C. at the top of pipette
D. Beneath the meniscus
E. Above the meniscus

10. Examination number: ………………………………….. NACTE Registration number: …………………………………….
PST 04209; Competence Test Exam 24-Sep-19 11:47:30 AM Page 10

46) Reading of the meniscus while measuring volume, should be taken at the following
position
A. Bottom curvature
B. At the angle arrows
C. On top meniscus level
D. At 45 degree angle
E. Middle curvature

47) ……………… is the process of removing visible material such as dirt, grease, so as to
reduce the possibility of contamination
A. Clearing
B. Weeping
C. Antisepsis
D. Cleaning
E. Disinfecting

48) One of the following is NOT the function of drug label
A. A label gives clear instructions on how and when to take or use the medication
B. To indicate clearly to patients how the product should be stored and for how long
C. The label contributes a good appearance of dispensed medicine
D. To indicate clearly to patients any warnings or cautions
E. To indicate clearly the date at which patient attended clinic

49) The practice of triturating product requires
A. Electronic balance to accomplish the process
B. Using measuring cylinder to accomplish the process
C. Using beaker to accomplish the process
D. Movement in a uniform or one direction
E. Movement in multiple directions

50) The abbreviation i.c means that, a patient should take drug
A. After meal
B. Between meal
C. Before meal
D. Three times a day
E. Every after 8 hours

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PST 04209; Competence Test Exam 24-Sep-19 11:47:30 AM Page 11

51) If a prescription to be compounded state that “alkaline phenol mouth washes a.m,
ac&hs”. The correct interpretation is that
A. A patient should wash on morning after meal and at bed time
B. A patient should wash on morning before meal and at bed time
C. A patient should wash on morning during meal and at bed time
D. A patient should wash afternoon before meal and at bed time
E. A patient should wash afternoon after meal and at bed time

52) Abbreviation “aq. Ferv” in compounding means
A. Hot water
B. Cold water
C. Add water
D. Up to
E. Mix water

53) Example of non-sterile dosage form
A. Irrigation fluids
B. Dialysis solutions
C. Poultices
D. Pellets
E. Ophthalmic preparations

54) Prevents any movement of the balance pans
A. Calibrate
B. Aliquot
C. Arrest knob
D. X-ray film
E. Weighs

55) A date assigned to a drug label telling the patient when the formulation was
performed:
A. Expire date
B. Dispensing date
C. Prescribing date
D. Visiting date
E. Re-fill date

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56) …………….. indicate that a patient is supposed to instill spirit ear drop in both ears
A. a.l
B. a.c
C. a.u
D. a.q
E. a.s

57) ……………. Is used to set, mark, or check the graduations of a measuring device:
A. Calibrate
B. Balance
C. Valence
D. Marker
E. Pointer

58) Protective coverings for fingers:
A. Finger cots
B. Gloves
C. Saran wrap
D. Finger masks
E. Tongs

59) A technique for mixing two powders of unequal quantity
A. Sifting
B. Blending
C. Levigation
D. Trituration
E. Geometrical mixing

60) The amount of weight that will move the balance pointer one division mark on the
marker plate
A. Sonication
B. Sensitivity
C. Spatulation
D. Stability
E. Suffocation

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61) The process of mixing powders with a spatula:
A. Stability
B. Trituration
C. Volumetric
D. Spatulation
E. Blending

62) The difference of compounding burrow’s solution and Lugol’s solution is that
A. Burrow’s solution involves the use of acids which are Acetic acid and Tartaic acid
B. Lugo’s solution needs calcium carbonate and aluminum acetate
C. Lugo’s solution is to be compounded for suppurating wounds
D. Burrow’s solution is to be compounded for thyrotoxicosis
E. burrow’s solution involves the use of potassium iodide

63) During preparation of lime water, the S.OP. requires compounder to do the following
EXCEPT
A. Shaking calcium hydroxide with water
B. To apply decantation method after product stand
C. Transfer the solid to the beaker and stir to aid dissolution
D. Prepare label
E. Calculate the quantities required for each ingredient in the formula to produce the
required final volume.

64) General procedures for preparation of peppermint spirit EXCEPT
A. Write out the formula from an official text
B. Calculate the quantities required for each ingredient in the formula to produce the
required final volume.
C. For liquid to liquid solution measure the accurate volumes required.
D. Make up to final volume with remaining vehicle.
E. Transfer to a suitable container, Prepare a suitable label and dispense to the patient

65) A proper way of writing solubility figure in compounding report is
A. To use units during documentation
B. To use parts during documentation
C. To use percent during documentation
D. To use decimals during documentation
E. To use equivalents during documentation

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66) A proper way of writing method of preparation during compounding report is
A. To summarize mathematical part of formulation
B. To write official formula and all calculations
C. To summarize appropriate procedures as per operating procedure book
D. To provide physio-chemical properties of the preparation
E. To summarize the apparatus, formulas, calculations and procedures used

67) Suggested expire dates for Ung. Emulsif
A. 3 months
B. 4 weeks
C. 2 weeks
D. 1 wekks
E. 1 year

68) Suggested expire date for mouth wash
A. 7 days
B. 14 days
C. 5 days
D. 10 days
E. 3 days

69) Inflammable liquids should be labeled
A. For external use only
B. Shake well before use
C. Store at a Cool Place
D. Highly Inflammable
E. Keep out of Reach of Children

70) Preventive Maintenance of Equipment does not need to
A. Be recommended by practitioner
B. Be carried out by trained student
C. Follows the manufacturer’s recommendation
D. Doubles the life time of the equipment
E. Be conducted several times
All the best by Dr HOSEA JT
[phone], [email protected]