Florida Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

What should a Pharmacy Technician do when a customer reports a medication discrepancy?

1. Tell the customer we probably gave them a different manufacturer this time

2. Write down the necessary information, and have the Pharmacist immediately speak to the customer regarding the situation

3. Tell the customer it's best to discard the medication

4. Write down the necessary information and explain what the medication should look like without involving the Pharmacist

The correct answer is: Write down the necessary information, and have the Pharmacist immediately speak to the customer regarding the situation

When a customer reports a medication discrepancy, the appropriate action is to write down the necessary information and have the Pharmacist immediately speak to the customer regarding the situation. This approach is correct because it adheres to professional protocols and ensures that the customer receives accurate and reliable information from a qualified professional. Pharmacy technicians are essential in managing and documenting customer concerns, but they do not possess the authority or training to handle discrepancies independently, especially when it involves potential medication errors or misunderstandings. Involving the Pharmacist ensures that a licensed professional can assess the situation, provide an informed response, and take any necessary action to rectify the issue. This is crucial for patient safety and maintaining trust in the pharmacy's services. In comparison, the other options do not prioritize customer safety or accuracy. Simply suggesting that a different manufacturer might have been provided lacks the thoroughness and professionalism required in addressing medication discrepancies. Advising the customer to discard the medication without proper assessment could lead to unnecessary waste or health risks if the medication is indeed correct. Additionally, writing down the information and explaining what the medication should look like without involving the Pharmacist does not provide the customer with the necessary support from a qualified professional and may leave essential questions unanswered.