South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What must a pharmacist do if a patient cannot receive the remaining quantity of a C2 prescription within 72 hours?

1. Notify the pharmacy manager

2. Dispose of the remaining prescription

3. Notify the prescriber to get a new prescription

4. Allow the patient to reschedule

The correct answer is: Notify the prescriber to get a new prescription

When a patient cannot receive the remaining quantity of a Schedule II (C2) prescription within the specified 72 hours, it is essential for the pharmacist to take appropriate action to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations regarding controlled substances. In this situation, notifying the prescriber to obtain a new prescription is the correct course of action. The rationale behind this requirement is that C2 prescriptions have strict regulations concerning their dispensing. The 72-hour rule is in place to prevent potential misuse or diversion of controlled substances. If the remaining medication is not picked up within that time frame, the original prescription can no longer be honored. By notifying the prescriber, the pharmacist facilitates a responsible approach to medication management and ensures that the patient has access to the necessary treatment in a lawful manner. The other choices do not address the regulatory requirements effectively. Simply notifying the pharmacy manager, disposing of the remaining prescription, or allowing the patient to reschedule does not adhere to the necessary legal protocols surrounding C2 prescriptions. Only contacting the prescriber for a new prescription aligns with the regulations set forth for controlled substances.