Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

In which scenario can a product be restocked for future dispensing?

1. A drug that has become expired

2. A medication that is returned by the patient after picking it up

3. A medication that is returned from will call

4. A drug product that arrived damaged and missing a label

The correct answer is: A medication that is returned from will call

Restocking a medication that is returned from will call is appropriate because this scenario involves medications that have not left the pharmacy. These products are typically not considered to have been dispensed to a patient or in use, which aligns with the pharmacy’s policy on return and restocking. Medications left in will call are often returned to the inventory for future dispensing without concerns about contamination or improper handling. In contrast, the other scenarios present issues that prevent restocking. An expired drug cannot be restocked due to safety and efficacy reasons, as it may not provide the intended therapeutic benefits. A medication that has been returned by the patient generally cannot be returned to stock either, due to potential concerns about its integrity, as it may have been taken outside the pharmacy setting or handled improperly. Similarly, a damaged drug product or one that is missing a label cannot be restocked, as this compromises identification and safety, which are critical in pharmacy practice.