Routine verification of controlled substances typically involves which practice?

• A. Immediate notification of stock inconsistencies
• B. Discrepancies reporting
• C. Daily counting
• D. Drug standards

Answer: (C)

Routine verification of controlled substances centers on keeping an accurate, up-to-date tally of what’s on hand. Daily counting ensures the quantities recorded match the physical inventory, which is crucial because these drugs are tightly regulated and prone to loss or diversion. By performing a daily count, any mismatch between the physical stock and the records is caught early, allowing prompt investigation and documentation. This ongoing counting is what makes routine verification effective; reporting discrepancies and immediate notifications are actions that come into play when a mismatch is found, not the everyday counting itself. Drug standards deal with the quality and potency of the substances, not the inventory verification process.