Before transferring controlled medications, what must match?

To ensure the safe handling and management of controlled medications, it is critical that the documentation amount matches the counted amount. This requirement is in place to prevent discrepancies that can lead to medication errors, misuse, or diversion of these substances.

In the context of medication administration, when controlled substances are transferred, rigorous safeguards must be followed to maintain accountability and traceability. The counted amount represents what is physically present, and the documentation amount reflects what is recorded in the inventory and records. If these two figures do not align, it raises immediate concerns about the integrity of the medication handling process. Ensuring that they match verifies that the correct quantity is present and has been accurately accounted for, contributing to patient safety and regulatory compliance.

The other elements mentioned in the other options, while important to medication management, do not specifically address the crucial step of verifying the accuracy of quantities associated with controlled substances during a transfer. This focus on documentation and physical counts is paramount in maintaining both ethical and legal standards in pharmaceutical practices.