What is the initial action taken by the pharmacist after receiving a pharmacy consult order?

The initial action taken by the pharmacist after receiving a pharmacy consult order is to review the patient's relevant labs. This step is crucial because it allows the pharmacist to assess the patient's current health status, understand their medical background, and gather necessary information to provide an informed and appropriate recommendation or intervention. By reviewing lab results, the pharmacist can identify any issues related to medication efficacy, potential side effects, or contraindications that may influence the treatment plan.

Understanding the patient's laboratory results ensures that the pharmacist is well-prepared to analyze the situation accurately and provides a thorough foundation for further actions, such as communicating with the patient or other healthcare professionals, if necessary. This careful evaluation aligns with the pharmacist’s responsibility to optimize pharmaceutical care and contribute importantly to patient safety and outcomes.

The other actions, though they are part of the pharmacist's responsibilities, typically follow the initial review of the patient's relevant labs. Documenting the order, educating the patient, or contacting the physician are actions that depend on the insights gained from analyzing the lab results first.