South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not an exception to the 7-day limit rule for an initial C2 prescription?

1. Cancer pain

2. Chronic pain

3. Minor surgery

4. Palliative care

The correct answer is: Minor surgery

The correct answer identifies "Minor surgery" as not being an exception to the 7-day limit rule for an initial prescription of a Schedule II controlled substance. In South Carolina, exceptions to this rule primarily address conditions that typically require prolonged management of pain, such as cancer pain, chronic pain, and the management of patients in palliative care. When prescribing for cancer pain, chronic pain, or palliative care, healthcare providers recognize that these situations often necessitate extended treatment plans due to the nature of the underlying conditions. Therefore, they are permitted to prescribe beyond the stringent limitations usually set for other circumstances. On the other hand, minor surgery does not generally justify a prescription for C2 medications beyond the 7-day rule. Prescriptions for post-operative pain management resulting from minor procedures typically do not require extended use of opiates, as they are expected to be alleviated within a few days. As a result, this clinical context does not warrant an exception to the usual limitations set forth for Schedule II prescriptions. Understanding the nuances of these regulations is crucial for ensuring compliance and for the appropriate management of patients' pain control needs.