True or False: A nurse cannot document giving a medication that has not been verified by pharmacy.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not allowed

Answer: (B)

Medication administration safety hinges on pharmacy verification, but there are real-world exceptions. The statement is false because in urgent situations—such as emergencies or when a standing order allows it—nurses may administer a medication and document that administration even while pharmacy verification is pending. In these cases, the documentation should clearly indicate that the medication was given and that verification is pending or that it was given under an emergency protocol. The key is to ensure the administration actually occurred, record it accurately, and then obtain pharmacy verification as soon as possible. In non-emergency cases, you would not administer or document a medication without verified authorization.