All dispensed prescriptions must have a ______ cap unless otherwise specified by the patient.

The correct response requires understanding the regulations surrounding prescription medications, particularly regarding safety packaging. In the United States, federal law mandates that most dispensed prescriptions are required to have child-resistant caps, which are designed to prevent accidental ingestion by young children. This safety measure is part of an effort to reduce the risk of poisoning and is a standard practice in pharmacies.

Child-resistant packaging must be used unless a patient specifically requests otherwise or if a physician determines that it is not necessary for a particular medication. This allows for some flexibility in patient care but prioritizes safety in the general population. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the requirement for child-resistant caps to be used by default when dispensing medications, with the option for patients to opt out.

Understanding this context is crucial for pharmacy technicians, as they play a key role in ensuring compliance with safety regulations while also catering to individual patient requests.