Where should a working stock of C2-4 medications be stored if it is less than a 72-hour supply?

The correct approach for storing a working stock of schedule II to IV medications, particularly when it is less than a 72-hour supply, is to keep them alongside other patient medications. This practice reflects the pharmacy’s aim to maintain an organized medication management system while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Storing these medications with other patient medications allows for easy access by the licensed personnel who need to retrieve them for dispensing. It helps streamline the workflow within the pharmacy while adhering to the safety standards needed for controlled substances.

In addition, this storage method promotes the timely delivery of medications to patients while ensuring that all controlled medications are managed correctly and efficiently. The other options may imply lesser levels of access control or inappropriate segregation, which would not align with the best practices for patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Thus, for practical purposes and regulatory adherence, having the working stock of C2-4 medications alongside other patient medications is appropriate when it is below a 72-hour supply.