Arizona MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

Within how many hours must a verbal order for drug therapy management be signed?

1. 48 hours

2. 24 hours

3. 72 hours

4. 7 days

The correct answer is: 48 hours

The requirement for verbal orders in the context of drug therapy management typically adheres to established regulations and guidelines that outline the timeframe within which these orders must be formally documented. In Arizona, the law stipulates that a verbal order must be signed within 48 hours to ensure proper documentation and accountability in medication management. This timeframe is designed to encourage timely review and validation of the verbal communication, minimizing any potential risks associated with unsupervised or unverified medication orders. Choosing a timeframe shorter than 48 hours may not adequately accommodate the circumstances healthcare professionals might face, such as busy clinical environments or the need for clarification on treatment plans. Conversely, a longer timeframe could compromise patient safety and the integrity of medication management processes. Therefore, adhering to the 48-hour requirement for signing verbal orders strikes a balance between efficiency and safety in pharmaceutical care practices.