Which of the following is a piece of equipment specific to institutional pharmacy rather than retail drug outlets?

The correct answer highlights equipment that plays a critical role in the compounding and preparation of medications within an institutional pharmacy setting, which often requires specialized practices due to the nature of patient care and medication management in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Graduates and mortars are fundamental tools in pharmacies, particularly for compounding prescription medications. They are essential for accurately measuring and preparing drug formulations, which may include crushing tablets, mixing powders, or creating ointments specific to individual patient needs.

In contrast, the other options are more commonly associated with retail pharmacy operations. Photocopiers, while useful for various administrative tasks, do not specialize in pharmacy functions. Retail displays and over-the-counter medication shelves are primarily concerned with the merchandising of products in a retail setting, focusing on consumer access and sales rather than the intricate compounding or specialized dispensing required in institutional pharmacies. Thus, the presence and usage of graduates and mortars underline the distinct responsibilities and practices found in institutional pharmacy environments.