PTCB 2026
PTCB Medication History Certification Exam Prep
2026: 200 Updated Practice Questions with Detailed
Rationales, Verified Answers, and a Complete Success
Workbook for Pharmacy Technicians
DOMAIN 1: Concepts & Terminology (Questions 1-45)
1. A patient tells you they take "water pills." Which medication class are they most likely referring
to?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Diuretics
C. Anticoagulants
D. Corticosteroids
Answer: B. Diuretics
Rationale: "Water pills" is a common patient term for diuretics, which help remove excess fluid from
the body.
2. Which term describes a medication that is taken exactly as prescribed over a long period?
A. Acute therapy
B. PRN therapy
C. Maintenance therapy
D. Titration therapy
Answer: C. Maintenance therapy
Rationale: Maintenance therapy refers to the long-term use of medications to manage chronic
conditions.
3. A patient reports "burning in their chest" after eating. This is a patient-friendly description of:
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Angina
C. Pyrosis (heartburn)
D. Pleurisy
Answer: C. Pyrosis (heartburn)
Rationale: Pyrosis is the medical term for heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat.
4. What is the term for a patient's failure to fill a new prescription?
A. Secondary nonadherence
B. Primary nonadherence
C. Medication reconciliation
D. Polypharmacy
Answer: B. Primary nonadherence
Rationale: Primary nonadherence occurs when a patient never fills or picks up a newly prescribed
medication.
5. Which of the following is an example of a high-alert medication?
A. Amoxicillin
B. Insulin
, PTCB 2026
C. Cetirizine
D. Acetaminophen
Answer: B. Insulin
Rationale: Insulin is on the ISMP high-alert list because errors with it (e.g., wrong dose) can cause
severe harm or death.
6. "Dyspnea" is the medical term for:
A. Difficulty swallowing
B. Difficulty breathing
C. Difficulty sleeping
D. Difficulty urinating
Answer: B. Difficulty breathing
Rationale: Dyspnea is the subjective feeling of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
7. A medication history should include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Prescription drugs
B. Over-the-counter (OTC) products
C. Herbal supplements
D. The patient's insurance copay amount
Answer: D. The patient's insurance copay amount
Rationale: A medication history focuses on clinical information (drug, dose, route, frequency,
indication). Financial information is not part of the clinical history.
8. "Pruritus" is a medical term for:
A. Rash
B. Itching
C. Swelling
D. Nausea
Answer: B. Itching
Rationale: Pruritus is the medical term for itching, a common side effect or symptom.
9. What does the abbreviation "BID" mean on a prescription?
A. Once daily
B. Twice daily
C. Three times daily
D. As needed
Answer: B. Twice daily
Rationale: BID stands for bis in die, Latin for twice daily.
10. Which medication class is commonly used to treat high cholesterol and ends in "-statin"?
A. Beta-blockers
B. ACE inhibitors
C. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
D. Calcium channel blockers
Answer: C. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Rationale: Statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Examples include atorvastatin and
rosuvastatin.
11. "Polypharmacy" is best defined as:
A. The use of multiple pharmacies by one patient.
, PTCB 2026
B. The use of multiple medications by a patient, often potentially inappropriate.
C. The study of drug interactions.
D. The process of dispensing medications in a hospital.
Answer: B. The use of multiple medications by a patient, often potentially inappropriate.
Rationale: Polypharmacy typically refers to a patient taking five or more medications concurrently,
increasing the risk of interactions and adverse effects.
12. A patient says they have "trouble catching their breath." This is a lay term for:
A. Dysuria
B. Dysphagia
C. Dyspnea
D. Dyspepsia
Answer: C. Dyspnea
Rationale: Dyspnea is shortness of breath, which patients often describe as trouble catching their
breath.
13. Which of the following is an example of a look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) drug pair that could
cause an error?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide and Lisinopril
B. Metformin and Glipizide
C. Ampicillin and Amoxicillin
D. Omeprazole and Pantoprazole
Answer: C. Ampicillin and Amoxicillin
Rationale: Ampicillin and Amoxicillin are a classic LASA pair. Their similar names can lead to selection
errors.
14. The term "angioedema" refers to:
A. Swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, often around the eyes and lips.
B. A red, flat rash on the chest.
C. A fungal infection of the nail.
D. Dry skin.
Answer: A. Swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, often around the eyes and lips.
Rationale: Angioedema is non-pitting edema in the subcutaneous tissue and can be a severe allergic
reaction.
15. What is "medication adherence"?
A. The process of reviewing a patient's medication list.
B. The extent to which a patient takes medications as prescribed.
C. The cost of medications for a patient.
D. The legal process of medication dispensing.
Answer: B. The extent to which a patient takes medications as prescribed.
Rationale: Adherence is the patient's compliance with the prescribed regimen regarding dose, time,
and frequency.
16. Which of the following is a bronchodilator used for asthma?
A. Lisinopril
B. Albuterol
C. Levothyroxine
D. Clopidogrel
, PTCB 2026
Answer: B. Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator used to relieve asthma symptoms.
17. A patient reports "frequent urination" and "excessive thirst." These are classic symptoms of:
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Anemia
D. Hypertension
Answer: B. Hyperglycemia
Rationale: Polyuria (frequent urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst) are hallmark symptoms of
high blood sugar.
18. What does the abbreviation "PRN" mean?
A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. As needed
D. Immediately
Answer: C. As needed
Rationale: PRN stands for pro re nata, meaning "as needed."
19. "Tachycardia" refers to:
A. Slow heart rate
B. Fast heart rate
C. Irregular heart rate
D. Stopped heart rate
Answer: B. Fast heart rate
Rationale: Tachycardia is a heart rate over 100 beats per minute in adults.
20. A patient takes "blood thinners." Which class of medications does this lay term most
commonly refer to?
A. Antihypertensives
B. Anticoagulants
C. Antibiotics
D. Antidepressants
Answer: B. Anticoagulants
Rationale: "Blood thinners" is a common term for anticoagulants like warfarin or apixaban.
21. "Bradycardia" is the medical term for:
A. Fast heart rate
B. Slow heart rate
C. Chest pain
D. High blood pressure
Answer: B. Slow heart rate
Rationale: Bradycardia is a heart rate under 60 beats per minute in adults.
22. Which of the following is an ACE inhibitor?
A. Metoprolol
B. Amlodipine
C. Lisinopril
D. Losartan
PTCB Medication History Certification Exam Prep
2026: 200 Updated Practice Questions with Detailed
Rationales, Verified Answers, and a Complete Success
Workbook for Pharmacy Technicians
DOMAIN 1: Concepts & Terminology (Questions 1-45)
1. A patient tells you they take "water pills." Which medication class are they most likely referring
to?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Diuretics
C. Anticoagulants
D. Corticosteroids
Answer: B. Diuretics
Rationale: "Water pills" is a common patient term for diuretics, which help remove excess fluid from
the body.
2. Which term describes a medication that is taken exactly as prescribed over a long period?
A. Acute therapy
B. PRN therapy
C. Maintenance therapy
D. Titration therapy
Answer: C. Maintenance therapy
Rationale: Maintenance therapy refers to the long-term use of medications to manage chronic
conditions.
3. A patient reports "burning in their chest" after eating. This is a patient-friendly description of:
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Angina
C. Pyrosis (heartburn)
D. Pleurisy
Answer: C. Pyrosis (heartburn)
Rationale: Pyrosis is the medical term for heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat.
4. What is the term for a patient's failure to fill a new prescription?
A. Secondary nonadherence
B. Primary nonadherence
C. Medication reconciliation
D. Polypharmacy
Answer: B. Primary nonadherence
Rationale: Primary nonadherence occurs when a patient never fills or picks up a newly prescribed
medication.
5. Which of the following is an example of a high-alert medication?
A. Amoxicillin
B. Insulin
, PTCB 2026
C. Cetirizine
D. Acetaminophen
Answer: B. Insulin
Rationale: Insulin is on the ISMP high-alert list because errors with it (e.g., wrong dose) can cause
severe harm or death.
6. "Dyspnea" is the medical term for:
A. Difficulty swallowing
B. Difficulty breathing
C. Difficulty sleeping
D. Difficulty urinating
Answer: B. Difficulty breathing
Rationale: Dyspnea is the subjective feeling of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
7. A medication history should include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Prescription drugs
B. Over-the-counter (OTC) products
C. Herbal supplements
D. The patient's insurance copay amount
Answer: D. The patient's insurance copay amount
Rationale: A medication history focuses on clinical information (drug, dose, route, frequency,
indication). Financial information is not part of the clinical history.
8. "Pruritus" is a medical term for:
A. Rash
B. Itching
C. Swelling
D. Nausea
Answer: B. Itching
Rationale: Pruritus is the medical term for itching, a common side effect or symptom.
9. What does the abbreviation "BID" mean on a prescription?
A. Once daily
B. Twice daily
C. Three times daily
D. As needed
Answer: B. Twice daily
Rationale: BID stands for bis in die, Latin for twice daily.
10. Which medication class is commonly used to treat high cholesterol and ends in "-statin"?
A. Beta-blockers
B. ACE inhibitors
C. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
D. Calcium channel blockers
Answer: C. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Rationale: Statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Examples include atorvastatin and
rosuvastatin.
11. "Polypharmacy" is best defined as:
A. The use of multiple pharmacies by one patient.
, PTCB 2026
B. The use of multiple medications by a patient, often potentially inappropriate.
C. The study of drug interactions.
D. The process of dispensing medications in a hospital.
Answer: B. The use of multiple medications by a patient, often potentially inappropriate.
Rationale: Polypharmacy typically refers to a patient taking five or more medications concurrently,
increasing the risk of interactions and adverse effects.
12. A patient says they have "trouble catching their breath." This is a lay term for:
A. Dysuria
B. Dysphagia
C. Dyspnea
D. Dyspepsia
Answer: C. Dyspnea
Rationale: Dyspnea is shortness of breath, which patients often describe as trouble catching their
breath.
13. Which of the following is an example of a look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) drug pair that could
cause an error?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide and Lisinopril
B. Metformin and Glipizide
C. Ampicillin and Amoxicillin
D. Omeprazole and Pantoprazole
Answer: C. Ampicillin and Amoxicillin
Rationale: Ampicillin and Amoxicillin are a classic LASA pair. Their similar names can lead to selection
errors.
14. The term "angioedema" refers to:
A. Swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, often around the eyes and lips.
B. A red, flat rash on the chest.
C. A fungal infection of the nail.
D. Dry skin.
Answer: A. Swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, often around the eyes and lips.
Rationale: Angioedema is non-pitting edema in the subcutaneous tissue and can be a severe allergic
reaction.
15. What is "medication adherence"?
A. The process of reviewing a patient's medication list.
B. The extent to which a patient takes medications as prescribed.
C. The cost of medications for a patient.
D. The legal process of medication dispensing.
Answer: B. The extent to which a patient takes medications as prescribed.
Rationale: Adherence is the patient's compliance with the prescribed regimen regarding dose, time,
and frequency.
16. Which of the following is a bronchodilator used for asthma?
A. Lisinopril
B. Albuterol
C. Levothyroxine
D. Clopidogrel
, PTCB 2026
Answer: B. Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator used to relieve asthma symptoms.
17. A patient reports "frequent urination" and "excessive thirst." These are classic symptoms of:
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Anemia
D. Hypertension
Answer: B. Hyperglycemia
Rationale: Polyuria (frequent urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst) are hallmark symptoms of
high blood sugar.
18. What does the abbreviation "PRN" mean?
A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. As needed
D. Immediately
Answer: C. As needed
Rationale: PRN stands for pro re nata, meaning "as needed."
19. "Tachycardia" refers to:
A. Slow heart rate
B. Fast heart rate
C. Irregular heart rate
D. Stopped heart rate
Answer: B. Fast heart rate
Rationale: Tachycardia is a heart rate over 100 beats per minute in adults.
20. A patient takes "blood thinners." Which class of medications does this lay term most
commonly refer to?
A. Antihypertensives
B. Anticoagulants
C. Antibiotics
D. Antidepressants
Answer: B. Anticoagulants
Rationale: "Blood thinners" is a common term for anticoagulants like warfarin or apixaban.
21. "Bradycardia" is the medical term for:
A. Fast heart rate
B. Slow heart rate
C. Chest pain
D. High blood pressure
Answer: B. Slow heart rate
Rationale: Bradycardia is a heart rate under 60 beats per minute in adults.
22. Which of the following is an ACE inhibitor?
A. Metoprolol
B. Amlodipine
C. Lisinopril
D. Losartan
