How must hospital pharmacies safeguard schedule C2 drugs if they have less than 150 units?

The requirement for hospital pharmacies to safeguard schedule C2 drugs, particularly when they have less than 150 units, aligns with regulatory expectations for the secure storage of controlled substances. The correct answer emphasizes that schedule C2 drugs must be kept in a locked wood or metal cabinet. This method of storage is important for preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the integrity and security of these high-potency medications.

A locked wood or metal cabinet provides a physical barrier against theft and diversion, which is crucial given the potential for abuse associated with schedule C2 substances. Storing these drugs in a cabinet that is resistant to tampering further enhances security within the pharmacy environment.

Other storage options, such as a locked drawer or dispersing the drugs throughout the pharmacy, do not meet the same level of security and could lead to increased risk of unauthorized access. Likewise, storing these medications in a publicly accessible area would significantly compromise safety and regulatory compliance, making it unsuitable for secure drug storage.