Under what condition can a nurse access medication from automated dispensing systems?

A nurse can access medication from automated dispensing systems primarily after a pharmacist has verified the order. This verification process ensures that the correct medication, dosage, and patient are matched, adhering to safety protocols and preventing medication errors.

This checks and balances system is critical in healthcare settings to maintain patient safety and ensure compliance with pharmacy regulations. Pharmacists review all medication orders for appropriateness, considering factors such as drug interactions, allergies, and specific patient needs, before a nurse can retrieve the medication from the automated system.

In contrast, accessing medication without prior verification undermines this important safety protocol, which is why the other scenarios presented would not be acceptable practices in a healthcare environment.