Who is responsible for accessing drugs from the pharmacy in an emergency according to institutional pharmacy regulations?

In an emergency situation, access to drugs from the pharmacy must be strictly controlled to ensure patient safety and compliance with institutional pharmacy regulations. The designation of a supervisory nurse, who is specifically appointed in writing, is crucial. This individual typically has the training and authority to understand the protocols involved in medication retrieval and administration.

This oversight helps maintain accountability and ensures that the emergency access to drugs is performed by a qualified professional who is knowledgeable about the medications, including their indications, dosing, and potential interactions. The written designation serves as an official endorsement from the institution, clarifying roles and responsibilities during urgent situations.

In contrast, the option of any nurse on duty lacks the necessary specificity regarding training and authority. The pharmacy technician, while skilled in medication handling and inventory, is generally not authorized to access medications outside of standard processes. The physician on call might have the medical knowledge to request medications, but typically, it is not within their purview to directly access the pharmacy independently in emergencies, as this could compromise protocols designed for safe medication distribution.

Overall, selecting a supervisory nurse ensures adherence to safety, legal, and institutional standards when accessing medications in emergency contexts, which is why this choice is the correct answer.