PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Order Entry and ProcessingMedium
Which of the following is a primary function of a pharmacy's perpetual inventory system for controlled substances?
- ATo identify expired medications in the pharmacy's entire inventory.
- BTo track the exact quantity of each controlled substance on hand at all times.
- CTo generate daily sales reports for all medications.
- DTo automatically reorder medications when stock levels are low.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. To track the exact quantity of each controlled substance on hand at all times.
A perpetual inventory system for controlled substances is designed to provide a continuous, real-time record of all controlled substances, showing exactly how much is on hand at any given moment. This is crucial for accountability and preventing diversion.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Identifying expired medications is part of general inventory management, not the unique primary function of a perpetual controlled substance system.
- C. Sales reports are a general inventory function, not specific to perpetual controlled substance tracking.
- D. Automatic reordering is typically handled by general inventory management systems, not exclusively by the perpetual controlled substance system.
Perpetual Inventory System (Controlled Substances)
A system that maintains a continuous, real-time record of inventory levels for specific items, most critically for controlled substances, by updating stock after every transaction.
- Required by DEA for Schedule II controlled substances.
- Provides exact count on hand at all times.
- Aids in detecting discrepancies and diversion.
Memory trick: Inventory: Perpetual Keeps Track, Periodic Counts Stack.