Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

In receiving an order, it is important to be alert for drugs that have been incorrectly picked, received damaged, are outdated, or missing, so orders are reconciled:

1. Item by item

2. Once per month

3. Once per year

4. Every two years

The correct answer is: Item by item

Reconciling orders item by item is essential in maintaining accuracy and quality in pharmacy operations. This practice ensures that each medication is individually checked against the order to verify that the correct drug, dosage, and quantity have been received. By inspecting each item, any discrepancies such as incorrect picks, damages, expiration dates, or missing items can be identified and addressed immediately. This meticulous approach not only helps in maintaining inventory integrity but also aligns with safety protocols aimed at preventing medication errors that could harm patients. The frequency of checks implied in the other options—once per month, once per year, or every two years—would not provide the necessary vigilance and promptness to catch issues as they arise, therefore potentially compromising patient safety and inventory accuracy.