Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which statement about emergency drug kits is NOT true?

1. They contain critical care drugs, such as epinephrine, naloxone, amiodarone, and glucagon

2. They should be labeled with an expiration date that is 6 months from the date of dispensing

3. They should only be used by authorized personnel in response to an order from a provider

4. The contents of the kit may vary depending upon the unit or hospital where the kit is located

The correct answer is: They should be labeled with an expiration date that is 6 months from the date of dispensing

The statement that is not true about emergency drug kits is that they should be labeled with an expiration date that is 6 months from the date of dispensing. In practice, the expiration dates for emergency drug kits are typically determined based on the stability of the medications inside the kit and the policies of the healthcare facility. The standard expiration dates are often longer than 6 months, as many drugs can remain stable for a year or more, depending on their formulation and storage conditions. Additionally, emergency drug kits contain critical care drugs, such as epinephrine, naloxone, amiodarone, and glucagon, which are essential for responding to immediate medical emergencies. The necessity for proper labeling, including expiration dates, is crucial; however, the specific timeframe for the expiration label being restricted to just 6 months is not an accurate reflection of best practices in emergency medicine. Emergency drug kits must be accessible and used appropriately, which is why they should only be utilized by authorized personnel in response to a provider's order. The contents of these kits can also vary significantly based on the specific needs and protocols of different units or hospitals. This ensures that each emergency kit is tailored to the types of emergencies that might be encountered in that particular setting.