Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

A legal, valid prescription must include the drug name, form, strength, and __________.

1. refill information, physician information, and date prescription was written

2. physician information, patient age, and date that prescription expires

3. refill information, physician information, and list of medication side effects

4. physician information, physician license number, and list of medication interaction restrictions

The correct answer is: refill information, physician information, and date prescription was written

A legally valid prescription must include specific essential components to ensure that it is completed properly and can be filled without issues. Among these components, refill information is crucial because it guides the pharmacy on how many times the patient may obtain the medication without needing a new prescription each time. Physician information is also necessary to identify who prescribed the medication, ensuring accountability and enabling follow-up if any issues arise. The date the prescription was written is vital for tracking the validity of the prescription, indicating when the medication was prescribed, and helping to determine if it is still valid at the time of filling. The other options include elements that, while important for various reasons, do not constitute essential components of a legal and valid prescription. For instance, patient age is not typically required on a prescription, although it may be relevant to ensure appropriate dosing, it is not a legal requirement. Lists of side effects or medication interaction restrictions, while important in patient care and counseling, are not prerequisites for the validity of a prescription. Similarly, the physician license number, although it ensures that the prescriber is authorized to prescribe medications, is not one of the legally mandated elements necessary for the prescription to be complete and valid in a practical setting.