Which of the following is authorized to obtain an unavailable drug for immediate use?

• A. RN only
• B. LPN only
• C. RN or LPN
• D. Pharmacist

Answer: (C)

In emergencies, there are policies that let licensed nursing staff obtain a drug that isn’t currently in stock so it can be used immediately to treat a patient. The goal is to prevent harm from delaying treatment. An RN or an LPN at the bedside can initiate this process under the facility’s protocol or a physician’s order, retrieving the drug from an emergency supply or through the pharmacy, with the pharmacist’s role focused on verification, proper dosing, and documentation.

Pharmacists are essential for dispensing and ensuring appropriate use, but the initial act of obtaining an unavailable drug for immediate use in a patient is commonly authorized for nursing staff under established protocols. That’s why the option including both an RN and an LPN best fits the scenario.