What must a pharmacy do if medications are administered from the ED without a written order?

In the context of administering medications from the Emergency Department (ED) without a written order, the correct approach involves ensuring patient safety while maintaining compliance with regulations. Providing the medication in the smallest packaging is crucial because it minimizes potential misuse and helps ensure that only the necessary amount is available for use. This aligns with best practices in medication management where minimizing the quantity helps reduce errors and enhances the monitoring of the patient's response to the therapy.

This practice is particularly important in emergency situations where rapid treatment initiation is needed, and written orders might not be immediately available due to the urgency of care. By offering medication in smaller packages, the pharmacy can streamline the supply and reduce the risk of leftover medications that may never be used, which could contribute to waste or diversion.

Furthermore, the other options may not appropriately address the critical requirements for medication dispensing without a written order. Following up with a phone call to the physician can be seen as a necessary step for clarification and compliance, but it does not directly address what the pharmacy must do in terms of medication provision during the immediate situation. Documentation of the event in the patient's chart is an essential measure for record-keeping and accountability but does not replace the need to properly dispense medications responsibly. Therefore, providing the medication in the smallest packaging