If the only doctor is performing a laparoscopic gastropexy, can this medication be filled?

• A. No, the doctor must be quickly available to clerk or technician when they fill medications
• B. Yes, if the medication is non-controlled
• C. No, only the veterinarian can fill during surgery
• D. Yes

Answer: (A)

A medication fill in a veterinary setting must be done under the immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian has to be readily available to the clerk or technician to verify the order, confirm dosing, and oversee the preparation.

In this scenario, the only doctor is occupied with performing the laparoscopic gastropexy, so they cannot be quickly available to supervise the fill. Because supervision cannot be ensured at that moment, the medication should not be filled. The fill should wait until a veterinarian is able to supervise (or another qualified supervisor is available).

Other choices aren’t appropriate because they either imply that supervision isn’t needed, or overlook the requirement that a doctor must be available to oversee the dispensing.