Complete verification audit of all inpt orders and activity concerning night cabinets or after-hours pharmacy entry must be conducted by a Pharmacist, Tech or other licensed designee of that pharmacy within ---------- of the drugs having been removed

• A. 24 hours
• B. 72 hours
• C. 48 hours
• D. 96 hours

Answer: (B)

The key concept here is the required timeframe for completing a verification audit after drugs are removed from night cabinets or after-hours pharmacy entry. The correct window is within 72 hours. This audit, which reviews all inpatient orders and the activity surrounding night cabinets or after-hours access, must be performed by a pharmacist, a technician, or another licensed designee of the pharmacy.

Why 72 hours is the best choice: it provides a practical balance between timely reconciliation and real-world staffing and after-hours workflows. The goal is to ensure every drug removal is properly ordered and logged, confirming there’s a valid patient need and preventing discrepancies or potential diversion. Completing the audit within 72 hours helps catch mismatches before they linger, supporting inventory integrity and patient safety. Shorter windows, such as 24 hours, can be too demanding in after-hours situations, while longer windows like 96 hours delay detection of issues. A 48-hour window, though reasonable in some settings, is not the mandated timeframe here.