question

accommodation

answer

the process by which the body adjusts muscles near the eye to maintain clear vision during distant changes

question

active ingredient

answer

a small quantity of chemicals which produces a desired effect in the body. Combines with inactive ingredients to make convenient dosage forms

question

adherence

answer

patient compliance to drug regimens

question

adjudication

answer

third-party insurance approval process

question

adverse effect

answer

side effect of medications

question

aerosol

answer

sprayable product most commonly used for topical application to the skin or for inhalation into the lungs and nasal passages

question

agonist

answer

stimulating or increasing the effect of a process; inducer

question

aliquot

answer

amount removed after diluting a product when the amount of an ingredient is less than the least weighable quantity for a Class A Balance

question

alligation

answer

a process of mixing stronger- and weaker- concentrated portions of a product to obtain the desired concentration of a product

question

anesthetic creams and ointments

answer

medications used for treating irritating and itchy rashes, insect bites, stings, and sunburns

question

angioedema

answer

swelling of the mouth, tongue, and face due to adverse effects of ACE inhibitors or ARBs

question

antacid

answer

medication used to reduce stomach acid; useful in treating heartburn or upset stomach

question

antagonist

answer

inhibiting or decreasing the effect of a process; inhibitor

question

antibiotic

answer

a substance derived from a mold, bacterium, or synthetic process that inhibits the growth of other microorganisms

question

anti-diarrheal

answer

medication used to reduce or stop diarrhea

question

antiflatulent

answer

medication used to reduce or stop diarrhea

question

antiflatulent

answer

medication used to reduce discomfort of gas in stomach or intestines

question

applicator bottle

answer

a container that has a slender, glass or plastic rod attached to the inside of its cap. the rod has a bulb-like end which acts as an applicator for liquids

question

antiemetic

answer

a substance which prevents or stops vomiting

question

aseptic technique

answer

a series of steps and precautions that are used to decrease the chance of contamination during preparation of a sterile product

question

assignment of claims

answer

common provision in a participating pharmacy agreement that specifies that the pharmacy, rather than the patient, will send claims to a third-party payer

question

audit

answer

a formal examination of an organization to verify accounts

question

autonomy

answer

ability to make one's own decisions

question

auxiliary label

answer

supplemental label, other than the prescription label, that conveys instructions to the patient

question

average wholesale price (AWP)

answer

the published "list price" of a particular drug product; most pharmacies are able to purchase at discounts below this

question

bactericidal

answer

destroying or killing bacteria

question

bacteriostatic

answer

inhibiting the growth of bacteria

question

bay

answer

storage area that is usually a U-shaped shelving unit in which medications are kept

question

beneficence

answer

acting in the best interest of the patient

question

beta-lactam ring

answer

functional group found on penicillin antibiotics that resist net bacteria target

question

beyond-use date

answer

expiration date, in which a compounded sterile preparation may not be stored or transported

question

bioavailability

answer

measure of how much of the drug actually gets into the blood to be distributed in the body

question

blood glucose meter

answer

device used to measure the concentration of sugar in the blood. people with diabetes use this device to measure their blood sugar levels

question

brand name

answer

the trademark name given to products by their manufacturers

question

bronchi

answer

branches of the lungs

question

bronchoconstriction

answer

closing of lungs resulting in difficulty breathing

question

bronchodilation

answer

open of lungs resulting in easier breathing

question

buccal tablet

answer

tablet that is placed in the buccal pouch (i.e., the area between the cheek and gums_ to allow the active ingredients to be absorbed directly into the blood stream

question

capitation fee

answer

a form of reimbursement in which a pharmacy is paid a specific amount of money each month for each patient who is assigned to receive prescriptions from that pharmacy. the pharmacy keeps this payment for a particular patient whether or not that that patient actually receives a prescription during that month. the pharmacy is expected to dispense all prescriptions that patient needs for the month, even if it exceeds the monthly payment

question

capsule

answer

a small, oblong gelatin container filled with medication

question

cerebrovascular accident

answer

stroke

question

child-resistant containers

answer

container used to prevent children from using unauthorized medications

question

ciliary muscle

answer

muscle in the eye that allows for clear vision during distance changes also known as accommodation

question

circular muscle

answer

muscle in the eye, controlled by the peripheral nervous system, that adjusts for near and var vision

question

claims reconciliation

answer

the process of comparing claims submissions to claims payments to detect incorrect claims rejections, as well as underpayments or overpayments

question

close-ended question

answer

question that elicits a short response, such as "yes" or "no"

question

closed panel

answer

a network of pharmacies organized by a MCO or PBM in which only selected or preferred pharmacies may participate. these preferred pharmacies are often selected because they belong to a chain that is willing to accept lower reimbursement or share some of the MCO's administrative costs

question

coinsurance

answer

a for mod patient cost sharing in which patients pay a specified percentage of their medical expenses

question

collodion

answer

liquid medication that dries as a flexible film on the skin; many wart, corn and callous remedies are prepared as these

question

compliance aid

answer

a device or system that helps remind patients to take the correct amount of medication at the correct time

question

complication

answer

undesirable effect of a disease that may lead to another disease or condition, often requiring additional treatment

question

compounding

answer

combining active and inactive ingredients to form a pharmaceutical product, sterile or non-sterile, that is not commercially available

question

confidentiality

answer

ensuring that patient information is given to only those people who are authorized to view the information

question

continuous infusion

answer

a type of administration of intravenous medication in which a flexible needle is placed into a vein for only two or three days allowing the medication container to be changed without removing the needle; long-term IV needle therapy may require a more permanent IV placed by a surgeon

question

contraindication

answer

a symptom or medical condition which indicates the inappropriateness of a form of treatment that would otherwise by advisable

question

controlled-release product

answer

a tablet, capsule, or medication particles with special coatings designed to release the medication in the body at a constant rate

question

convalescent aids

answer

medical devices such as canes, crutches, bed pans, cervical collars, etc.

question

copayment

answer

a form of patient cost sharing in which patients pay a fixed amount each time a prescription is despensed

question

cor pulmonale

answer

right-sided heart failure

question

cortiscosteroid

answer

medication class used to reduce inflammation especially during asthma or COPD exacerbations

question

counterirritant

answer

medication class used to treat pain by causing a burning sensation on the skin to relieve deeper pains

question

coverage gap (donut hole)

answer

point in a Medicare Part D plan in which the insurance does not cover any medication costs and patients must pay out-of-pocket.

question

covered entity

answer

an entity that is a healthcare provider that conducts certain transactions in electronic form, a healthcare clearing house, and/or a health plan

question

cream

answer

preparation combining water, oil, and other substances; although they usually do not offer as much protection as ointments, they are more appealing to patines because they are absorbed buy the skin and not greasy/oily

question

days supply

answer

the number of days that a prescription should last if a patient takes the medication according to directions

question

DDS, DMD

answer

dentist

question

DEA form 41

answer

form used by pharmacies to destroy controlled substances

question

DEA Form 106

answer

form used by pharmacies in the event of theft of controlled substances

question

DEA form 222

answer

form used by pharmacies to order Schedule II controlled substances; these forms are also used to transfer Schedule II controlled substances to other pharmacies or reverse distributors

question

DEA Number

answer

a number assigned to a prescriber which documents his or her authority to prescribe controlled substances; each pharmacy is also assigned this which documents its authority to stock and dispense controlled substances

question

deductible

answer

a form of patient cost sharing; the amount that must be incurred and paid by the patient during a specified period of time before benefits are paid by the insurance company

question

diastolic blood pressure

answer

lower number on a blood pressure reading

question

diluent

answer

substance added to dilute another substance

question

disclosure

answer

all pertinent information necessary for an informed decision is made available to a patient

question

dispense as written (DAW)

answer

a request by a prescriber that a pharmacist dispense the brand-name medication prescribed rather than a generic equivalent; some third parties will reimburse pharmacies for multiple-source brand-name medications when prescribers insist on brand names

question

dispensing fee

answer

the portion of the third-party prescription reimbursement that is paid in addition to reimbursement for drug costs; this is supposed to cover the pharmacy's overhead and profit; it is usually a fixed fee (same for every prescription dispense)

question

DO

answer

osteopath

question

dose

answer

the amount of a medication taken at one time

question

DPM

answer

podiatrist

question

dropper bottle

answer

a bottle designed to deliver a very small volume of medication at a time; these may have droppers attached to the inside of their caps or may have small openings that allow administration of one drop of medication at a time

question

drug enforcement administration (DEA)

answer

federal agency that regulates manufacturing, distribution, prescribing, and dispensing of controlled substances

question

drug-disease alert procedure

answer

federal agency that regulates manufacturing, distribution, prescribing, and dispensing of controlled substances

question

drug interaction

answer

a situation in which the effect of one medication is changed by another medication that ap patient is taking at the same time; these are usually classified in computer systems by their severity

question

drug utilization review

answer

a process in which patterns of prescribing, dispensing and usage of prescription drugs are monitored; DUR may be prospective or retrospective

question

Duration

answer

the length of time a medication is taken

question

DVM

answer

veterinarian

question

effervescent tablet

answer

a medication dosage form containing mixtures of acids and sodium bicarbonate, plus active ingredients, which are dissolved in a glass of water which the patient drinks

question

electronic claims adjudication

answer

the process of using a computer and modem to determine whether a third-party claim will be paid, and if so, the amount of payment the pharmacy can expect to receive

question

elixir

answer

clear hydroalcoholic liquid intended for oral use, often containing flavoring agents

question

emulsion

answer

oil and water mixture which, in time, usually separates into an oil layer on top and a water layer on the bottom; must be shaken before use

question

enteric-coated tablet

answer

tablet with a coating designed to allow it to pass through the stomach intact so that it dissolves in the intestine instead

question

enzyme

answer

medication that aids in digestion or reduces nausea

question

etiology

answer

the cuase of an illness

question

exacerbation

answer

sudden worsening of a condition; flare-up

question

expectorant

answer

medication class used to reduce mucus production

question

federal upper limit (FUL)

answer

list of multiple-source medications and their upper limits for state Medicaid program reimbursement

question

fee-for-service

answer

traditional indemnity type of business insurance that provides coverage for health care services to members; with this, providers are paid a fee for each service delivered, in contrast to capitated systems in which a fixed amount is paid in advance for all services that may be provided during a given period of time (usually month)

question

fidelity

answer

putting the interest of the patient before the interest of the employees or the pharmacy

question

fluid extract or tincture

answer

medication dosage form in which the active ingredients (often a plant extract) is dissolved in a baes of alcohol and/or water

question

food and drug administration (FDA)

answer

the federal agency that supervises the development, testing, purity, safety, and effectiveness of prescription and OTC medications

question

formulary

answer

a list of medications that are covered (or not covered) by a third-party prescription program

question

frequency

answer

how often the patient takes a medication; interval

question

gel

answer

semisolid suspension of very small particles, usually in a water base

question

generic drug

answer

multiple-source drug that does not have a brand name

question

generic substitution

answer

a process of substituting the lower-cost generic version of a medication when a brand-name medication is prescribed; often mandated by third-party payers to reduce prescription costs

question

geometric dilution

answer

adding equal portions of medications when compounding

question

glaucoma

answer

disorder in the eye characterized by high pressure which may lead to decreased vision and blindness

question

half-life

answer

time at which a medication decreases to half of its original potency

question

health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA) filter

answer

act to ensure protection of patient information and confientiality

question

hydoralcoholic

answer

those liquids that contain a combination of alcohol and water

question

hypodermis

answer

area below the dermis consisting of fatty tissue where several medications, such as insulin are injected; subcutaneous layer

question

incidental disclosure

answer

personal information is shard unintentionally with unauthorized users during the performance of daily operations

question

indemnification

answer

a reimbursement mechanism in which the patient pays the pharmacy and is later reimbursed by the insurance company for a portion of the cost

question

indication

answer

what a medication is used for

question

inducer

answer

stimulating or increasing the effect of a process; agonist

question

inhibitor

answer

inhibiting or decreasing the effect of a process; antagonist

question

intramuscular (IM)

answer

injections employing small volumes of fluid that are delivered deep into muscle tissue by relatively longer and larger-bore needles

question

intraocular pressure (IOP)

answer

pressure in the eye that is elevated in disorders, such as glaucoma

question

intravenous (IV)

answer

injectable medication that is administered intravenously (into the vein)

question

IV admixture

answer

compounded sterile preparation prepared by adding medication to an IV bag

question

ketoacidosis

answer

metabolic complication primarily in Type-I diabetes in which the body breaks down fat instead of carbohydrates for energy often due to a lack of insulin in the body

question

IV infusion

answer

intravenous preparation adminsitered over hours to days at a constant drip rate

question

IV piggyback (IVPB)

answer

intravenous preparation administered at a constant drip rate along with a large volume parenteral such as normal saine or dextrose usually through a Y-site connector port

question

IV push/IV bolus

answer

medications given intravenously over a short period of time

question

ketoacidosismetabolic

answer

metabolic complication primarily in Type-I diabetes in which the body breaks down fat instead of carbohydrates for energy often due to a lack of insulin in the body

question

kinesics

answer

the body movements we make using head, face, arms, and legs when communicating with a patient

question

lactic acidosis

answer

life-threatening metabolic complication characterized by muscle pain, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and bradycardia in which there is a buildup of lactic acid often due to a lack of oxygen

question

lactose intolerance

answer

disorder in which one is unable to digest dairy products containing lactose resulting is abdominal bloating and flatulence

question

laminar-flow hood (horizontal)

answer

has the HEPA filter perpendicular to the work surface; the clean air blows from the filter toward the person working in the hood, thereby keeping particulate matter away from the work surface

question

laminar-flow hood (vertical)

answer

HEPA filter is parallel to the work surface and clean air blows straight down toward the work surface; protects the person

question

laxative

answer

medication used to relieve constipation, rectify incomplete or irregular bowel movements, or evacuate the bowel

question

least amount weighable (LAW)/least weighable quantity (LWQ)

answer

the least amount that may be weighed on a class A balance; preparations below this amount may be made in batch preparations or by using aliquots

question

legend statement

answer

medications that can be dispensed only by prescription have either a "Rx-only" symbol or the following statement on their labels "Cation: federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription"; prescription-only medication

question

levigation

answer

mixing technique in which two substances are mixed together on an ointment slab using a spatula to reduce the particle size

question

libido

answer

sex drive

question

liniment

answer

mixture of various substances in oil, alcoholic solutions of soap, or emulsions intended for external application; often used for their heat-producting effects

question

long-term fare facility (LTCF)

answer

facility where patients reside and are cared for by trained personnel for an extended period of time; "nursing home" or "skilled nursing facility"

question

lotion

answer

although similar to cream, this dosage form contains more liquid and is applied more easily over larger areas of the body

question

lot number

answer

a number that identifies medications as belonging to particular batches produced by the manufacturer; "control number"

question

maintenance medication

answer

pharmaceutical used to treat or manage chronic long-term conditions and illnesses

question

managed care organization (MCO)

answer

an organization designed to manage the cost and quality of and access to health care services

question

maximum allowable cost (MAC)

answer

the maximum amount that will be paid by a third-party payer for a multiple-source medication;

question

MD

answer

physician, usually an allopathic physician (as opposed to an osteopathic physician)

question

medicaid

answer

insurance plans administered by states for the "medically needy"

question

medicare

answer

insurance plans administered by the government primarily for individuals over 65 years of age and people with disabilities

question

medicare part D

answer

prescription medication insurance plan administered by the government primarily for individuals over 65 years of age and people with disabilities

question

meniscus

answer

the surface of a liquid in which surface tension causes the liquid to cling to the sides of a container; when measuring liquids in a graduated cylinder, one should measure from the bottom of the this

question

mortar

answer

a bowl-like material used in compounding primarily non-steril preparations

question

multiple-source drug

answer

a drug product that is available from more than one manufacturer

question

mydriasis

answer

far vision; far sightedness

question

myosis

answer

near vision; near sightedness

question

NDC Number (National Drug Code)

answer

this is assigned by the manufacturer and placed on all prescription stock packages; identifies the manufacturer, the actual chemical entity, and the package size

question

notice of privacy practice

answer

adequate notice of how a covered entity may use and disclose protected health information about the individual, as well as his or her rights and the covered entity's obligations with respect to that information

question

NP

answer

nurse practitioner

question

OD

answer

optometrist

question

ointment

answer

a greasy preparation, usually prepared with a petroleum jelly base, which is used to deliver medication to areas of the skin that need protection; leaves oily coatings on the skin

question

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90)

answer

a federal law that increases pharmacists' professional responsibilities by requiring them to keep records, to perform prospective drug utilization review, and to offer to counsel patients about the proper use of their medications

question

open-ended question

answer

question eliciting a longer response often in the form of "who," "what," "where," and "why" questions

question

open panel

answer

a network of pharmacies organized by a MCO or PBM in which all community pharmacies are invited to sign participating pharmacy agreements

question

ophthalmic preparation

answer

a sterile medication for the eye that may be in the form of drops or ointments

question

orthostatic hypotension

answer

a sudden decrease in blood pressure upon standing defined as a drop of 20 mmHg or more in systolic blood pressure or a drop of 10 mmHg or more in diastolic blood pressure; puts patents at risk for injury due to fainting

question

otic preparation

answer

medication of the ear that is usually supplied in dropper bottles

question

overfill

answer

technique used in compounding in which products are compounded for more than the originally-prescribed amount (e.g. 10% more) to compensate for loss due to compounding

question

over-the-counter (OTC)

answer

medications considered to be safe to take or use without a prescription; typically stocked outside of the pharmacy department

question

PA

answer

physician assistant

question

parenteral

answer

literally means "outside of the gastrointestinal tract"; describe any medication given by a route of administration other than oral or rectal, it's usually used to describe injectable medications

question

parenteral (small-volume)

answer

contains just enough fluid volume to safely deliver the medication into a patient's veins

question

parenteral (large-volume)

answer

used when the fluid itself is the treatment (e.g.TPN/prevent or treat dehydration)

question

participating pharmacy agreement

answer

contract between the pharmacy and the third-party payer that specifies program features such as dispensing fee and the method of determining drug acquisition cost

question

patent

answer

a privilege granted to an inventor that allows exclusive or sole rights to market a product or device for a limited period of time

question

patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device

answer

device in which pain medication is delivered at a rate determined by the patient being treated; built-in controls prevent the patient from overdosing

question

patient cost sharing

answer

portion of a prescription expense which is paid out of pocket by the patient; three most common forms are deductibles, copayments, coinsurance

question

patient profile

answer

patient record that is kept in the pharmacy department

question

pediculicide

answer

medication, often in the form of shampoo, that kills lice

question

pestle

answer

mixing instrument used to crush tablets and mix substances in a mortar

question

pharmaceutical equivalence

answer

medications that have the same active ingredients, same dosage form, same route of administration, same strength

question

pharmacy benefit manager (PBM)

answer

an organization that specializes in the management of the prescription portion of a managed health care plan; this contracts with participating pharmacies, process claims, control costs, and manage the various elements of the pharmacy benefit including formularies and utilization review

question

pharmacodynamics

answer

study of what drugs do to the body

question

pharmacokinetics

answer

study of what the body does to drugs

question

pharmacology

answer

study of medications including their composition, indications, adverse effects, and how they act in the body

question

pharynx

answer

throat

question

point of scale (POS) system

answer

computer technology linking pharmacies and third-party payers through telephone lines allowing eligibility verification, claims submission, claims adjudication, and utilization review at the time the prescriptions are dispensed

question

power of hydrogen (pH)

answer

measure of how acidic or basic a substance is; blood pH is 7.4

question

precaution

answer

information similar to warnings, but not as severe

question

preferred provider organization (PPO)

answer

a group of hospitals, physicians, and pharmacists that contracts with employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to provide medical services for negotiated fees; patients are given cost incentives (e..g owed patient cost-sharing requirements) to sue the network of "preferred providers" for services

question

prescription container label

answer

label that is affixed to the medication container that is given to the patient; includes patient-specific and medication-related information

question

prescription information label

answer

label that is affixed to the actual prescription order form; these are used to file and track prescriptions within the pharmacy department

question

prior authorization

answer

a requirement that specific medications be covered only if approved by the third-party payer; usually prescribers or pharmacists have to certify that the medication is medically necessary and superior to less costly alternatives before approval is given o dispense it

question

privacy officer

answer

person who assures compliance with HIPAA and all other federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to the use and release of PHI

question

privacy rule

answer

a response to public concern over potential abuses of the privacy of health information that establishes a category of health information, referred to as protected health information, which may be used or disclosed to others in certain circumstances or under certain conditions

question

PRN refill

answer

PRN is a Latin abbreviation that means "as needed"; these refills are prescription medications that are usually allowed for a max. of 1 year

question

protected health information

answer

personal, identifiable information about individuals which is created or received by a health plan, provider, or health care clearinghouse

question

proxemics

answer

distance between you and the patient while communicating

question

radial muscle

answer

muscle in the eye, controlled by true sympathetic nervous system, that adjusts for near and far vision

question

rebound hypertension

answer

a life-threatening situation in which medications that normally lower blood pressure are suddenly stopped 9instead of tapering) resulting in severely elevated blood pressure

question

reconstitutable

answer

medication medication that requires the addition of distilled water or another diluents prior to dispensing and administering; usually reconstituted immediately before they are dispensed

question

reconstituting tube

answer

a device that is used to accurately measure distilled water to be added to a medication

question

reflex tachycardia

answer

see orthostatic hypotension

question

reorder point

answer

the minimum number of units of a particular type of merchandise that a retailer intends to keep on hand; when inventory falls to this point, reorder!

question

reorder quantity

answer

the number of units that must be ordered in order to replenish the inventory to its maximum allowable level

question

returned goods authorization form

answer

a form provided by the manufacture or wholesaler which must be completed by the pharmacy to return unused products for credit

question

reverse distributor

answer

company that accepts unused or expired medications

question

Reye's syndrome

answer

rare disorder in children potentiated by using aspirin, especially during a fever

question

risk favor

answer

characteristics that make a person more prone to a isase or condition

question

rotating stock

answer

a method of stocking shelves in which new bottles are put at the back of th shelf and older bottles are pulled forward to help ensure that older bottles are sold first before they expire

question

route

answer

the general administration of a medication (e.g. capsules taken by mouth, insulin by injection, topically applied cream)

question

schedule I (C-I)

answer

a classification of controlled substances which includes drugs that have a high potential for abuse; no currently accepted medical use in U.S. and are unsafe for use under medical supervision; not found in pharmacy departments

question

Schedule II (C-II)

answer

classification of controlled substances which includes medications that has a currently accepted medical use in the U.S. and a high potential for abuse and physical or psychological dependence; examples include morphine (narcotic), methamphetamine (stimulant) and secobarbital (depressant)

question

schedule III (C-III)

answer

classification of controlled substances which includes medications that have an abuse potential less than that of medications listed in I and II; abuse of these meds may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence; (e.g. tylenol w/ codeine #3); certain stimulants or depressants

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