Pharmacy Law Practice Exam 2026 - Free Pharmacy Law Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct response, which is purified water, is significant because USP guidelines specify the quality of water that should be used in the preparation of compounded sterile preparations. Purified water meets established standards for its chemical and microbiological quality, making it ideal for cleaning equipment, as it minimizes the risk of contamination.

Purified water is produced through various methods such as distillation or reverse osmosis, ensuring the removal of impurities and contaminants. This is essential in a pharmacy setting, especially in sterile compounding, as the cleanliness of equipment directly impacts the safety and efficacy of compounded medications.

Other types of water presented in the choices have varying levels of purity, which can be insufficient for complying with the stringent requirements outlined in guideline 795. Tap water, for instance, often contains chlorine and other minerals that can introduce contaminants that compromise sterility. Distilled water, while free from many impurities, does not always meet the criteria specified for purified water in terms of stringent microbial quality. Deionized water, although lacking ions, can still have organic compounds that may not be suitable for cleaning equipment used in medication preparation.

Thus, the choice of purified water aligns with the regulatory requirements for maintaining high standards in pharmacy practice, ensuring both safety and compliance in the compounding process.