Ohio Pharmacy Law Practice Test

What is the proper response if a pharmacist suspects a prescription poses a risk to health?

1. Dispense with caution

2. Report to the authorities

3. Refuse to dispense

4. Contact the patient

The correct answer is: Refuse to dispense

The correct response when a pharmacist suspects that a prescription poses a risk to health is to refuse to dispense the medication. This action is rooted in the pharmacist's responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. When there is a concern regarding a prescription—whether due to potential medication errors, interactions, contraindications, or other significant risks—the pharmacist has an ethical and legal obligation to protect the patient from harm. Refusing to dispense allows for further evaluation and more comprehensive discussions with the prescriber or other healthcare professionals involved. This ensures that all possible health considerations are taken into account before proceeding with any patient treatment. In this situation, while it may be appropriate for a pharmacist to consider caution or to contact the patient for clarification, the primary and most appropriate action is to refuse to dispense the prescription until the risk has been adequately resolved. Reporting to authorities might be necessary in some contexts, but it is not the immediate response focusing on patient safety.