In a controlled counts procedure, how many people count and document per shift?

In a controlled counts procedure, how many people count and document per shift?

• A. One person counts and documents.
• B. Two people count and both document what was counted.
• C. Three people count and share notes.
• D. Two people count but only one documents.

Answer: (B)

In a controlled counts procedure, two people are involved in counting and both document what was counted. This creates a built-in check and a clear, auditable trail. With two people counting, errors or discrepancies are more likely to be caught because each person can independently verify the tally. Having both document ensures there are two independent records reflecting the same total, which strengthens accountability and makes handoffs between shifts or audits smoother. If a mismatch occurs, the dual documentation provides a solid basis to identify where the discrepancy happened and to resolve it before the medication is dispensed. This approach aligns with safety practices for controlled substances that require double-checks and thorough documentation. The other options don’t fit because a single counter lacks independent verification, or documentation is not two-sided, or the setup adds unnecessary complexity without improving accountability.

In a controlled counts procedure, two people are involved in counting and both document what was counted. This creates a built-in check and a clear, auditable trail. With two people counting, errors or discrepancies are more likely to be caught because each person can independently verify the tally. Having both document ensures there are two independent records reflecting the same total, which strengthens accountability and makes handoffs between shifts or audits smoother. If a mismatch occurs, the dual documentation provides a solid basis to identify where the discrepancy happened and to resolve it before the medication is dispensed. This approach aligns with safety practices for controlled substances that require double-checks and thorough documentation. The other options don’t fit because a single counter lacks independent verification, or documentation is not two-sided, or the setup adds unnecessary complexity without improving accountability.