A pharmacy technician is preparing to take inventory of controlled substances. The technician should report exact quantities for which schedule of controlled substances?

For controlled substances, Schedule II drugs require the pharmacy technician to report exact quantities during inventory checks. This is due to the high potential for abuse and the strict regulatory controls surrounding these medications. Schedule II substances, which include powerful opioids and stimulants, are subject to rigorous monitoring to prevent misuse and diversion.

Having an accurate count of these substances is crucial for compliance with federal regulations set by agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This requirement helps ensure that any discrepancies in inventory can be addressed, and it provides a safeguard against the potential for illegal activity.

In contrast, while Schedules I, III, and IV substances also have regulations governing their inventory, they do not necessitate reporting exact quantities in the same way as Schedule II substances. Schedule I drugs, although highly regulated, are not available for medical use, while those in Schedules III and IV can be counted in an estimated manner unless otherwise specified. Thus, the need for precise reporting of quantities is unique to Schedule II substances in the context of controlled substance inventory management.