CVS Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

How should a pharmacy technician respond if they overhear a pharmacist dispensing a prescription incorrectly?

1. Bring it to the pharmacist's attention immediately

2. Ignore it and see if the patient notices

3. Report it to a manager

4. Correct the mistake themselves

The correct answer is: Bring it to the pharmacist's attention immediately

A pharmacy technician should bring the dispensing error to the pharmacist's attention immediately because ensuring patient safety is the top priority in a pharmacy setting. The pharmacy technician plays a crucial role in the medication dispensing process, and part of that role includes monitoring and supporting the pharmacist. Addressing the issue at the moment allows the pharmacist to reassess the prescription and correct any potential harm before it reaches the patient. This collaborative approach helps maintain a high standard of care and reinforces the importance of open communication within the pharmacy team. Promptly addressing errors not only prevents possible medication-related problems but also builds a culture of accountability and safety within the pharmacy. Other options, such as ignoring the mistake or attempting to correct it without proper authority, could lead to patient harm or further errors, which is why they are not suitable responses in this scenario. Reporting to a manager after the fact may also result in a delay in correcting the error, which could negatively impact the patient care process. Therefore, immediate action by alerting the pharmacist is the most responsible and effective course of action.