Pharmacy Technician PTCB Practice Test

Which of the following activities may be performed by a clinically oriented pharmacy technician on a nutrition service?

1. Procuring patients' serum chemistry values to assist pharmacists in monitoring TPN formulations

2. Initiating a change in the electrolyte composition of the solution based on the patients' serum chemistry values

3. Interpreting patients' serum chemistry values and notifying the physician

4. Counseling patients on their nutritional status

The correct answer is: Procuring patients' serum chemistry values to assist pharmacists in monitoring TPN formulations

A clinically oriented pharmacy technician on a nutrition service typically works under the supervision of a pharmacist and is responsible for assisting in the management of patients on parenteral nutrition therapy. This includes tasks such as procuring patients' serum chemistry values to assist pharmacists in monitoring TPN formulations, which may involve collecting blood samples and running tests to determine the appropriate nutrient composition for the patient's TPN solution. Option B is incorrect because it implies that the pharmacy technician can independently make changes to the TPN solution, which requires the approval and order of the supervising pharmacist or physician. Option C is incorrect because interpreting serum chemistry values and notifying the physician are responsibilities typically delegated to a pharmacist or physician. Option D is incorrect because counseling patients on their nutritional status falls under the scope of practice for a dietitian or nutritionist, rather than a pharmacy technician.