At the pickup window a patient asks the technician whether her new antibiotic will interfere with her birth control pill. What should the technician do?

a.Read the interaction section of the package insert aloud to the patient
b.Suggest that the patient look it up on the manufacturer's website
c.Answer using the interaction screen in the dispensing software
d.Refer the question to the pharmacist, who is responsible for patient counseling

Explanation

Interpreting a drug interaction for a specific patient is clinical judgment and counseling, which is the pharmacist's role; the technician's correct response is a prompt, courteous hand-off. Reading the insert aloud or repeating what the software screen says is still giving clinical advice, and sending the patient to a website leaves the question unanswered by the professional standing right there.

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