60. A pharmacy receives the following prescription: Auvi-Q 0.3 mg/0.3 mL Sig: 0.3 mg PO p.r.n. for severe allergic reaction Disp: 2 pack. The prescriber should be contacted to clarify the:
Answer: D
The prescriber should be contacted to clarify the route of administration.
In this case, although the prescription states "PO" (by mouth), Auvi-Q is typically administered via injection. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the intended route to ensure patient safety.
A) quantity to dispense
The quantity to dispense is clearly stated as "Disp: 2 pack," which indicates that the pharmacist has sufficient information to fill the prescription. There is no ambiguity regarding how much medication is required.
B) medication indication
The medication indication is specified in the prescription as being for a "severe allergic reaction." This is clear and does not require clarification since the purpose of the medication is well-defined.
C) medication strength
The strength of the medication is indicated as "0.3 mg/0.3 mL," which is explicit in the prescription. There is no need to contact the prescriber for clarification regarding the strength, as it is adequately detailed.
D) route of administration
The route of administration is indicated as "PO" (by mouth), but Auvi-Q is intended for subcutaneous injection. This discrepancy necessitates clarification from the prescriber to ensure that the patient receives the medication correctly.
Conclusion
The correct answer is D because the route of administration is critical for the safe use of Auvi-Q, which is not typically taken orally. All other options (A, B, and C) provide clear information that do not require further clarification, highlighting the importance of verifying the route to avoid potential medication errors.