Pharmacist-Technologist II Oral Interview Questions & Sample Answers

1. What factors should be considered for organizing medicines and medical supplies in a store?

Answer:
"Organizing medicines requires applying the First-Expiry-First-Out (FEFO) principle to minimize wastage. Proper labeling and categorization ensure quick identification. Temperature control is crucial to maintain drug stability. Damaged or expired drugs must be segregated to prevent accidental dispensing. Accessibility and security measures safeguard against theft and ensure efficient workflow."

2. What are the key considerations when dispensing drugs to a patient?

Answer:
"Always verify the authenticity of the prescription to prevent errors or fraud. Check for possible drug interactions and allergies. Confirm correct dosage and administration route. Provide clear, understandable instructions on how to take the medication. Ensure the medication is properly labeled and packaged to avoid confusion."

3. What techniques would you use to ensure patients receive proper medication information?

Answer:
"I use simple, non-technical language to explain the medication. Printed leaflets or handouts help reinforce verbal instructions. Visual aids or demonstrations enhance understanding. I actively listen to patients’ questions and use the teach-back method to confirm their comprehension."

4. What criteria are used to select essential medicines in your workplace?

Answer:
"Selection is based on the prevalence of diseases in the community, the efficacy and safety profile of the medicines, and cost-effectiveness. Availability in the supply chain is important, as is alignment with guidelines from WHO or the national health authority."

5. What essential information is found on an individual medicine label?

Answer:
"A label should include the drug name and strength, dosage form, expiry date, batch number, manufacturer’s details, and storage instructions to ensure safe and effective use."

6. What would you do if a patient arrives with a prescription, but the required medicine is out of stock?

Answer:
"I would inform the patient promptly about the unavailability, suggest suitable alternatives if allowed, contact the prescriber for approval on substitutions, refer the patient to nearby pharmacies with stock, and record the incident for inventory management."

7. Tell us about your journey from school to professional experience.

Answer:
"After secondary school, I pursued a diploma in pharmaceutical technology at [College]. I completed my internship at [Hospital/Pharmacy], where I gained hands-on experience in stock control, medicine compounding, and patient counseling. I am eager to apply my skills professionally."

8. How do you ensure proper stock management in a pharmacy?

Answer:
"By maintaining accurate records, conducting regular stock counts, using inventory software, adhering to FEFO, and ensuring timely reordering to prevent shortages or overstock."

9. Describe the process of medicine compounding and its importance.

Answer:
"Compounding involves preparing personalized medications to meet specific patient needs, especially when standard formulations are unavailable. It requires precise measurement, mixing, and quality control to ensure safety and efficacy."

10. How do you handle expired or damaged drugs in the pharmacy?

Answer:
"Expired or damaged drugs are immediately removed from shelves, segregated, documented, and disposed of according to regulatory guidelines to ensure patient safety."

11. What steps do you take to prevent medication errors?

Answer:
"Double-check prescriptions, verify patient identity, use clear labeling, educate patients, and follow protocols during dispensing and administration."

12. How would you manage a situation where a patient complains about side effects?

Answer:
"I would listen carefully, assess the symptoms, provide appropriate advice, report the adverse event to pharmacovigilance authorities, and communicate with the prescriber if necessary."

13. What is the role of a Pharmacist-Technologist in public health?

Answer:
"Supporting medication access and adherence, educating communities about safe drug use, participating in vaccination programs, and helping prevent antimicrobial resistance."

14. Explain the importance of cold chain management.

Answer:
"Cold chain management preserves the potency and safety of temperature-sensitive medicines like vaccines by maintaining the required temperature throughout storage and transportation."

15. How do you keep updated with new medicines and regulations?

Answer:
"By attending workshops, reading journals, participating in continuous professional development, and following updates from regulatory bodies."

16. What are the common challenges faced in pharmacy practice?

Answer:
"Stockouts, counterfeit medicines, patient non-compliance, high workload, and regulatory changes."

17. How do you prioritize your tasks during a busy workday?

Answer:
"I assess urgent tasks first, organize workflow efficiently, delegate when possible, and maintain clear communication with team members."

18. How do you handle confidential patient information?

Answer:
"By following privacy policies, securing records, sharing information only with authorized personnel, and educating staff on confidentiality."

19. What qualities make a good Pharmacist-Technologist?

Answer:
"Attention to detail, communication skills, ethical behavior, teamwork, and continuous learning."

20. How do you contribute to the rational use of medicines?

Answer:
"By educating patients and health workers, monitoring prescriptions, discouraging misuse, and promoting adherence to treatment guidelines."