Florida Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

If you are unsure whether a patient has allergies, what should you do?

1. Indicate No Known Allergies in the pharmacy computer system but ensure the patient is asked as soon as possible

2. Leave the allergy field in the patient profile blank

3. Wait to process the prescription until the patient's allergies can be verified

4. Refuse to process the prescription

The correct answer is: Indicate No Known Allergies in the pharmacy computer system but ensure the patient is asked as soon as possible

Indicating "No Known Allergies" in the pharmacy computer system while ensuring the patient is asked as soon as possible is a prudent approach when there's uncertainty about a patient's allergy status. This action allows the pharmacy to proceed with processing prescriptions or offering recommendations while acknowledging the potential risk of undisclosed allergies. It is also vital for maintaining an accurate patient profile. By marking "No Known Allergies," you create a record that can be revisited, and it encourages healthcare professionals to follow up with the patient for clarification, which enhances patient safety. It is important to communicate with the patient at the earliest opportunity to confirm or clarify their allergy status, since inconsistencies in medical records can lead to adverse drug reactions. Leaving the allergy field blank might lead to confusion or mishandling of the patient's information, which could be detrimental if an allergenic medication is prescribed. Waiting to process the prescription could unnecessarily delay the patient’s treatment, while refusing to process the prescription could inhibit access to necessary medications, both outcomes not being in the best interest of patient care.