Washington Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence MPJE Practice Exam

Which statement is true regarding CRCs?

1. All containers must be child-proof

2. 1 in 5 children can open CRCs by design

3. CRCs are optional for all medications

4. Prescriber's blanket waiver is required for non-CRC prescriptions

The correct answer is: 1 in 5 children can open CRCs by design

Child-resistant containers (CRCs) are designed with safety in mind to prevent children from easily accessing potentially harmful substances. While they are effective, it's important to note that not all children will struggle with these containers; in fact, studies suggest that approximately 1 in 5 children may be able to open them, which aligns with the idea that while CRCs provide a significant level of safety, they are not infallible. This information underscores the importance of educating caregivers about storing medications safely, even in child-resistant packaging. The other statements do not accurately reflect the regulatory framework or practical implementation of CRCs. For example, not all containers must be child-proof under certain circumstances, indicating that there are exceptions to the rule. Additionally, CRCs are generally required for many medications, rather than being optional, which places an emphasis on ensuring safety rather than convenience. Lastly, while there are situations where a prescriber might indicate a need for standard packaging rather than CRCs, this is not a blanket requirement; it can vary based on specific circumstances and regulations. Thus, statement B stands out as the accurate reflection of the reality regarding child-resistant containers.