Question

which of the following information should a pharmacy technician verify before filling a prescription below?

name: sue thomas
dob: 10/23/40
atenolol 25mg
take 1 tablet po daily
quantity: #90
refills: 0
dr. johnson (signature)

• the prescribers dea number
• the date of issue
• the date the prescription was received by the pharmacy
• the number of refills

Explanation:

Analyze the prescription details

Using the Prescription Requirements knowledge point

The provided prescription contains:

• Patient Name: Sue Thomas
• Patient DOB: 10/23/40
• Medication: Atenolol 25mg
• Directions: Take 1 tablet po daily
• Quantity: #90
• Refills: 0
• Prescriber: Dr. Johnson (Signature)

Identify the missing element

Using the Prescription Requirements knowledge point

A valid prescription must contain the date of issue (the date it was written). Looking at the provided prescription details, there is no date of issue listed. Therefore, the pharmacy technician must verify this missing information before filling the prescription.

Evaluate the other options

Using the Prescription Requirements knowledge point

• The prescriber's DEA number: Atenolol is a beta-blocker (non-controlled substance), so a DEA number is not legally required on this prescription.
• The date the prescription was received: While documented in the pharmacy workflow, it is not a legal requirement written by the prescriber on the prescription itself.
• The number of refills: This is already clearly specified as "Refills: 0".

Answer:

• The prescriber's DEA number
• The date of issue (Correct answer)
• The date the prescription was received by the pharmacy
• The number of refills