South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which scenario would NOT qualify for an exception to the 7-day limit on initial C2 prescriptions?

1. Major trauma

2. Surgery

3. Chronic headaches

4. Hospice care

The correct answer is: Chronic headaches

The scenario involving chronic headaches does not qualify for an exception to the 7-day limit on initial prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances. In South Carolina, specific conditions such as major trauma, surgery, or hospice care are recognized as circumstances warranting a longer duration for the prescription of C2 medications due to the acute nature of pain or the need for palliative care. Chronic headaches, on the other hand, reflect a long-term condition that typically requires ongoing management strategies rather than a temporary increase in medication quantity. Prescriptions for chronic conditions usually involve a different approach, including the use of non-controlled treatments, behavioral therapies, or non-opioid options. The regulations are designed to prevent over-prescribing and to minimize the risk of dependency, especially for conditions that do not involve an acute or severe episode requiring immediate and extensive pain management. Thus, chronic headaches do not fit the criteria for the exceptions that are made for more urgent or severe medical situations warranting extended use of narcotics.