We can only print one batch of scripts at a time (3 patients).
So rather than having the production tech counting 24/7 while the other techs/pharmacist print and pull in their free time, the production tech prints one batch, pull the drugs, counts them, and as the next batch is printing puts the drugs away and repeats.
This is way slower. We used to have 2-3 pages pulled and ready at any given time without the counter having to stop.
How is this safer/efficient?
1) While working at production you retrieve a label from a production basket for a quantity of 90 tablets. The stock bottles contain 100 tablets when sealed. What is the proper method for counting out 90 tablets?
a. Select one sealed bottle and one opened bottle, count out 10 from the sealed bottle and pour the remaining 90 tablets in an amber vial. Place the 10 tablets into the previously opened bottle and complete production
b. Select one sealed bottle and one opened bottle. Count out 10 tablets from the sealed bottle and pour the remaining 90 tablets in an amber vial. Place the 10 tablets back in the bottle in which they originated and affix and “x” on the bottle
c. Select one sealed bottle and one opened bottle. Count the remaining tablets from the opened bottle, then open the sealed bottle to complete the count. Affix the newly opened bottle with an “x”
d. Select one sealed bottle and one opened bottle. Open the sealed bottle and count 90 tablets. Pour the 90 tablets in an amber vial and place the remaining 10 tablets into the previously opened bottle
2) You are filling a prescription for 90 tablets of a medication stocked in 30 count stock bottles. What is the proper method of producing this prescription?
a. Open 3 bottles and pour the contents directly into an amber vial
b. Open each bottle one at a time, count the contents, and add them to the amber vial
c. Open all three bottles, pour the contents out on a counting tray to verify consistency, remove packaging material and desiccants, and then add the contents from the tray to an amber vial
d. All methods are acceptable as long as desiccants are removed prior to dispensing
3) During the Production process, a patient approached the counter at Pick Up. You have Accuracy Scanned and poured the medication on the tray. What is the proper action to take?
a. Continue counting the medication and complete the Prescription Production process by labeling the amber vial and placing it with a label in a basket, then proceed to the register to assist the patient
b. Pause from counting and acknowledge the customer by making eye contact and stating that you will be right over. Complete the Prescription Production process by labeling the amber vial and placing it in a basket, and then proceed to the register to assist the patient
c. Greet the customer immediately. Stop Production and walk to the counter to assist the customer
d. Pour the tablets back into the stock bottle and greet the customer as you approach the counter
4) You are prompted to retrieve an RTS vial for a prescription, when you get to the shelf, you cannot find an RTS for this product. What should you do at production?
a. Bypass the RTS product, scan credentials and produce
b. Bypass the RTS product, scan the stock bottle(s) retrieved, credential, and produce
c. From the RTS maintenance screen, reprint the RTS label needed, scan the RTS label, credential, and produce
d. A or C
5) While producing a prescription with multiple stock bottles, you pour tablets from an open bottle on the tray, emptying the bottle. What should be done with the empty stock bottle and cap?
a. Immediately throw the empty bottle and cap in the green bag
b. Place the empty bottle and cap on the countertop off of the Production Safety Zone
c. Retain the cap and the empty bottle on the Production Safety Zone until the production process is complete
d. All actions are acceptable as long as the bottle is not reused
6) A label prints for 60 tablets of levothyroxine 25mcg. You walk to the stock shelf and find an open bottle that feels as though there are 60 tablets inside. How many bottles should be brought to production?
a. Just the opened bottle, since you believe there are enough tablets inside to fulfill the script
b. One unopened bottle and one opened bottle
c. A and B are acceptable
d. None of the above
7) Which team member is accountable for adherence to the Production Safety Zone and the production process?
a. Pharmacy Manager
b. Pharmacist on Duty
c. Technician at production
d. All of the above
8) Which of the following actions should never take place?
a. Combining two opened stock bottles to free up space on the stock shelf
b. Pouring the contents of an RTS vial into a stock bottle since the RTS label did not print
c. Producing a prescription accuracy scanned by another team member
d. All of the above
9) A label prints for 30 tablets of atenolol 25mg. You retrieve an open bottle and a full stock bottle which you do not believe you will need, but want to be sure you have enough. What process will you follow at production?
a. Scan the label, scan the opened bottle, count the product, scan credentials to close accuracy scan since you did not need the second bottle
b. Scan the label, bypass accuracy scan since you know you have the right product
c. Scan the label, scan the opened bottle, scan the second bottle, credential to close accuracy scan, produce with the open bottle
d. Scan the label, scan the opened bottle, count the tablets while leaving the accuracy scan prompt open, scan the second bottle if needed