CVS Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

What is the appropriate action if a prescription's quantity is not specified?

1. Ask the patient if they know the quantity

2. Consult with the technician only

3. Document as is

4. Follow standard calculation methods

The correct answer is: Follow standard calculation methods

When a prescription's quantity is not specified, it's important to follow standard calculation methods because this ensures that both the patient's safety and the accuracy of medication dispensing are maintained. Standard practices may involve referring to common dosing regimens for the medication, consulting clinical guidelines, or checking the pharmacy’s internal protocols if established quantities are known for the specific medication in question. This approach minimizes the risk of errors that could arise from simply asking the patient, who may not be certain about what quantity was intended, or relying solely on input from a technician without proper verification. Additionally, documenting the prescription as is without taking appropriate measures could lead to potentially harmful situations where the patient does not receive the right amount needed for their treatment. Thus, following established calculation methods serves as a reliable and professional way to handle situations where the prescription lacks clarity.