Question

You are a pharmacy student, and this month you are doing a clinical rotation in a pharmacy located just outside of town. This is a very different experience from working in a hospital pharmacy, and you are enjoying the time immensely. However, you notice that your preceptor (instructor), whom you respect and who has been practicing and teaching for many years, has been losing his train of thought unusually often when talking with patients. And while filling a prescription recently, he grabbed the wrong strength of pills — and then he barked at the pharmacy technician who corrected him. As he begins to fill another order this morning, you see that once again, he seems to be using the wrong pills.

You decide to speak with the pharmacist while he is filling the order. What would be the most appropriate thing to say?

(A) "Did you check the bottle from which you're dispensing that medication?"
(B) "I am concerned there is a safety issue here."
(C) "What are you doing? Can I help?"
(D) "Stop filling that prescription right now or I will be forced to call the manager."

Answer 1

The most appropriate thing to say to the pharmacist in this situation would be option (B) "I am concerned there is a safety issue here."

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate thing to say to the pharmacist in this situation would be option (B) "I am concerned there is a safety issue here." This statement reflects your observation of the pharmacist's unusual behavior and raises a valid concern about the potential impact on patient safety. It allows you to express your worries without being confrontational or accusing. By using this statement, you show your genuine concern for patient well-being and open the door for a collaborative discussion about the issue.