Which action best describes handling a prescription written in a language you cannot read, when the patient requires urgent medication?

• A. Supply the medication as an emergency supply
• B. Refuse to dispense until translated
• C. Request translation and wait for confirmation
• D. Refer to a UK prescriber regardless of urgency

Answer: (A)

When urgent treatment is needed and you can’t read the language of the prescription, patient safety means acting to ensure the patient gets the medicine without delay. Providing an emergency supply of the prescribed medicine is the appropriate course because it prevents harm that could come from waiting for translation or for a full prescription to be obtained. You should verify as much as you can from available information (drug name, strength, dose, timing) and ensure there are no obvious safety concerns (allergies, interactions). After dispensing, arrange translation or obtain a legible prescription to complete the record and confirm with the prescriber as soon as possible. Delaying treatment for translation or referring off-site isn’t warranted in an urgent situation, though you should seek proper confirmation afterward to formalize the prescription.