Question

a pharmacy technician should recognize that which of the following is the correct method for rotating medication inventory?

store medications based on their cost, with the most expensive in front.
arrange inventory alphabetically regardless of expiration date.
place the newest stock in the front and oldest stock in the back.
place the oldest stock in the front and newest stock in the back.

Explanation:

Analyze the core principle of stock rotation

Using the Inventory Management knowledge point
The fundamental rule of inventory management in a pharmacy is "First-In, First-Out" (FIFO). This practice ensures that medications with the earliest expiration dates are used first to minimize waste and prevent dispensing expired products to patients.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: "Store medications based on their cost, with the most expensive in front." This is incorrect because cost does not dictate safety or expiration order.
• Option 2: "Arrange inventory alphabetically regardless of expiration date." While medications are often organized alphabetically on shelves, individual bottles of the same medication must still be arranged by expiration date.
• Option 3: "Place the newest stock in the front and oldest stock in the back." This is incorrect because it would lead to older stock expiring on the shelf.
• Option 4: "Place the oldest stock in the front and newest stock in the back." This is correct because it ensures that the stock closest to expiring (the oldest stock) is selected and dispensed first.

Answer:

• Store medications based on their cost, with the most expensive in front.
• Arrange inventory alphabetically regardless of expiration date.
• Place the newest stock in the front and oldest stock in the back.
• Place the oldest stock in the front and newest stock in the back. (Correct answer)