When supplying a prescription-only medicine due to stock shortage, which action must be recorded?

• A. Document the supply in the POM register with the purpose
• B. Record only patient name
• C. Do not record anything
• D. Record only the batch number

Answer: (A)

When a prescription-only medicine is supplied because stock is unavailable, there must be an auditable trail. Recording the supply in the POM register with the purpose provides a documented justification for why the medicine was issued without a normal prescription, linking the patient, the medicine, the date, and the reason for the supply. This supports regulatory compliance, patient safety, and stock management, and it creates a traceable record for any future checks or audits. Simply noting only the patient name omits essential details, and not recording anything or only recording the batch number fails to capture the full justification and record of the supply.