Patient counseling must include information on:

Patient counseling is a critical aspect of pharmacy practice and directly relates to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medication therapy. The correct focus on expected side effects and actions required aligns with the goal of equipping patients with essential information about their medications.

When patients understand the side effects, they are better prepared to manage any adverse reactions and can take appropriate actions, such as contacting their healthcare provider if severe side effects occur. This informed approach not only enhances patient safety but also fosters adherence to medication regimens, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

In contrast, the other options, while potentially useful in certain situations, do not encompass the primary objective of patient counseling. Discounts, pricing policies, and the physical layout of the pharmacy may enhance the patient experience or provide logistical information, but they lack the critical clinical information needed for proper medication use and management. The primary responsibility of a pharmacist in patient counseling is to ensure that patients are aware of how to safely use their medications, which is why understanding expected side effects and necessary actions surrounding them is paramount.