Final answer:
A pharmacist must perform several steps to override medications from an automated dispensing system, including verifying the medication order, reviewing patient information, checking medication accuracy, documenting override reasons, and following safety protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pharmacist must perform several steps to override medications from an automated dispensing system:
- Verify the medication order: The pharmacist needs to make sure that the medication being requested is appropriate for the patient's condition and is ordered at the correct dosage.
- Review patient information: The pharmacist must check the patient's medical history, allergies, and current medications to ensure that there are no potential interactions or contraindications.
- Check medication accuracy: The pharmacist should verify that the medication being dispensed matches the prescription and is in the correct form and strength.
- Document override reasons: If the pharmacist needs to override a medication, they should document the reason for the override, such as a drug shortage or a specific patient need.
- Follow safety protocols: The pharmacist must adhere to safety protocols, such as double-checking the medication before dispensing and labeling it correctly.
By performing these steps, the pharmacist ensures that the medications from the automated dispensing system are safe and appropriate for the patients.