Question

question 3/4

youre in week three of your externship. you notice that another pharmacy tech consistently skips the recount step when filling prescriptions - they count once, bag it, and move on. youve watched this happen several times. you know the double-count is standard protocol. youre uncomfortable, but theyve been helpful to you and you dont want to make things awkward. what should you do?

say nothing - theyre more experienced and probably have a reason

immediately call them out in front of the team: \youre not recounting - thats wrong\

when you have a quiet moment with them, ask: \hey, i want to make sure im doing this right - are we supposed to recount every fill, or is there a situation where you skip it? ive been doing it every time but want to confirm.\

report them to the pharmacist immediately without saying anything to them first

just make sure you always recount, but dont say anything

Explanation:

Evaluate the scenario and safety implications

The scenario describes a pharmacy technician skipping a standard safety protocol (double-counting prescriptions). In pharmacy practice, Medication Safety is the highest priority to prevent dispensing errors. Skipping standard protocols can lead to incorrect quantities or incorrect medications being dispensed to patients.

Analyze communication strategies

When addressing a potential protocol deviation with a colleague, Pharmacy Communication principles suggest starting with a non-confrontational, collaborative approach rather than immediate public confrontation or silent bypass.

Assess the given options

• Option 1 (Say nothing): Fails to address a potential safety risk.
• Option 2 (Call them out publicly): Creates unnecessary workplace hostility and is unprofessional.
• Option 3 (Ask privately and constructively): This is the most professional approach. It addresses the safety protocol, allows for clarification in a non-threatening manner, and maintains a positive working relationship.
• Option 4 (Report immediately without speaking to them): Escalates the issue prematurely before seeking clarification or addressing it peer-to-peer.
• Option 5 (Just make sure you always recount): Ignores the systemic safety risk posed by the colleague's actions.

Answer:

• Say nothing — they're more experienced and probably have a reason
• Immediately call them out in front of the team: "You're not recounting — that's wrong"
• When you have a quiet moment with them, ask: "Hey, I want to make sure I'm doing this right — are we supposed to recount every fill, or is there a situation where you skip? I've been doing it every time but want to confirm." (Correct answer)
• Report them to the pharmacist immediately without saying anything to them first
• Just make sure you always recount, but don't say anything