South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What does estimated count refer to when dealing with certain schedules of controlled substances?

1. Estimated count of C3-5; exact count required if bottle > 1000 count

2. Only applicable to schedule 1 controlled substances

3. Always an exact count for all controlled substances

4. Only required for non-controlled substances

The correct answer is: Estimated count of C3-5; exact count required if bottle > 1000 count

The concept of an estimated count relates specifically to the handling and inventory verification of certain schedules of controlled substances, particularly schedules III, IV, and V. According to regulations, an estimated count is acceptable for containers holding up to 1,000 units of these substances. However, if the container exceeds 1,000 units, a precise count becomes mandatory. This regulatory approach is designed to balance the need for accuracy in tracking controlled substances while recognizing that a full count may be impractical for smaller containers. By allowing an estimated count for smaller quantities, regulatory agencies aim to streamline operations in pharmacies and ensure that compliance does not impose undue burdens. In contrast, the other options present scenarios that do not align with established regulations. For instance, schedule I substances are subject to stricter regulations and don't follow the same counting protocols as C3-5. Similarly, all controlled substances require a careful inventory process, and a blanket statement of exact counts for all does not reflect the nuances of regulatory requirements for various schedules. Finally, non-controlled substances do not fall under the same inventory scrutiny as controlled substances, making them irrelevant in this context.