Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which of the following cannot be changed on a prescription for a schedule II substance?

1. Dosage form

2. Drug strength

3. Patient's name

4. Quantity

The correct answer is: Patient's name

In the context of a prescription for a Schedule II substance, the patient's name is a critical element that cannot be modified once the prescription has been issued. This is because the patient's name serves as a primary identifier for both the patient and the prescription, ensuring that the medication is dispensed accurately and safely. Altering the patient's name could result in medication errors, misidentification, and potential misuse of controlled substances. In contrast, while it is generally not appropriate to change elements such as dosage form, drug strength, or quantity after a prescription has been signed, there are specific circumstances under which these aspects might be adjusted by the prescriber, provided the change is documented correctly. However, the integrity of the patient's identity on the prescription must remain unchanged to uphold the legal and ethical standards of prescribing medications, especially those classified as controlled substances.