Question

question 49

a pharmacy technician is cleaning the pharmacy work area at the end of the day. the technician should recognize that cross-contamination between medications can be prevented by which of the following practices?

• waiting until the end of the week to clean preparation surfaces.
• using separate, dedicated equipment for each medication type and cleaning surfaces between uses.
• using compressed air to remove powder residue from the preparation area.
• cleaning the work surface with the same cloth used for all areas of the pharmacy.

Explanation:

Analyze the prevention of cross-contamination

Using the Penicillin Cross-Contamination and Counting Tray Sanitization knowledge points

• Waiting until the end of the week to clean surfaces allows drug residues to accumulate and transfer between prescriptions.
• Using separate, dedicated equipment for highly allergenic or hazardous medications (such as penicillin or chemotherapy agents) and cleaning preparation surfaces between uses directly prevents the transfer of active drug residues.
• Using compressed air disperses fine powder residues into the air, increasing inhalation risks and widespread surface contamination.
• Cleaning with a single shared cloth transfers residues from one area of the pharmacy to another.

Identify the correct practice

Using the Counting Tray Sanitization knowledge point

• The practice of using separate, dedicated equipment and cleaning surfaces between uses is the standard protocol to ensure patient safety and prevent cross-contamination.

Answer:

• Waiting until the end of the week to clean preparation surfaces.
• Using separate, dedicated equipment for each medication type and cleaning surfaces between uses. (Correct answer)
• Using compressed air to remove powder residue from the preparation area.
• Cleaning the work surface with the same cloth used for all areas of the pharmacy.