PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Order Entry and ProcessingHard
A pharmacy technician is tasked with reconciling the daily cash drawer at the end of their shift. The point-of-sale (POS) system reports $1250 in cash sales, but the physical cash count is $1245. What is the most appropriate next step for the technician?
- ARound up the physical count to $1250 to avoid reporting a discrepancy.
- BSearch for the missing $5 immediately and delay closing until found.
- CAdjust the POS system to match the physical cash count of $1245.
- DPlace the $1245 in the safe and document the discrepancy, then inform the pharmacist or supervisor.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Place the $1245 in the safe and document the discrepancy, then inform the pharmacist or supervisor.
Any discrepancy, even small, must be documented and reported to the pharmacist or supervisor. The physical cash should be secured, and adjustments or investigations should only be made under supervision.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Rounding up is unethical and falsifies records, which is strictly prohibited.
- B. While a search may be initiated, delaying closing or obsessing over a small amount can be inefficient; reporting is the priority.
- C. Adjusting the POS system without investigation and approval is incorrect procedure and could hide errors.
Cash Reconciliation Discrepancy
The protocol for handling situations where the physical cash count does not match the sales reported by the point-of-sale (POS) system.
- Document all discrepancies, no matter how small.
- Report to pharmacist/supervisor immediately.
- Never alter records to hide discrepancies.
- Secure physical cash first.
Memory trick: Cash Short? Document, Report, Don't Be a Sport!