Washington Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence MPJE Practice Exam

What does it mean to dispense a medication?

1. Direct application of a drug to a patient

2. Actual transfer of a drug from one person to another

3. Delivery of drug other than by administering or dispensing

4. Interpretation of order and preparation for delivery

The correct answer is: Interpretation of order and preparation for delivery

Dispensing a medication refers to the preparation and delivery of a drug to a patient, based on an order from a healthcare practitioner. This process involves interpreting the medication order, preparing the appropriate dosage and form of the drug, and providing it to the patient. Option A is incorrect because direct application of a drug to a patient is typically considered administration, not dispensing. Option B is incorrect because it describes the transfer of a drug from one person to another, but not necessarily for the purpose of patient use. Option C is incorrect because it mentions delivery of a drug through means other than administering or dispensing, which is not directly related to the dispensing process. Therefore, option D, which discusses the interpretation of an order and the preparation of a drug for delivery, is the most accurate choice.