In a hospital pharmacy, who can access the pharmacy in the absence of a pharmacist during an emergency?

In a hospital pharmacy, the protocol for accessing the pharmacy in the absence of a pharmacist is typically designed to maintain safety and accountability in medication handling. The correct answer relates to the designated responsibility and authority granted to specific personnel in emergency situations.

A supervisory registered nurse is usually authorized to access the pharmacy in emergencies because they possess the appropriate training and licensing to understand the importance of medication management and the necessary precautions that must be taken. Their supervisory status often indicates that they have a higher level of knowledge and responsibility, making them suitable for such access when immediate action is necessary to ensure patient care.

The other options do not align with the standard regulations. For example, allowing any nurse on duty might not ensure that the individual accessing the pharmacy has the requisite training to manage medications safely. On the other hand, a hospital administrator typically does not have the clinical training necessary to handle or dispense medications appropriately in pharmacy settings. Non-licensed personnel lack the necessary qualifications to understand and manage the medications effectively, causing significant safety concerns.

Thus, limiting access to one supervisory registered nurse in emergencies ensures that patient safety and regulatory compliance are prioritized even in the absence of a pharmacist.