What should always be used when counting the number of tablets or capsules prescribed?

Using a counting tray ensures accuracy and efficiency when counting tablets or capsules prescribed. This specialized tray is designed to hold the tablets or capsules safely while allowing for easy counting and handling. The surface of a counting tray typically minimizes the risk of damage to the medications and helps prevent contamination.

The careful handling of pharmaceuticals is essential in a veterinary medication setting, where precise dosages are crucial for the health of the animals being treated. A counting tray also allows for a systematic approach to counting, especially in larger quantities, reducing the potential for human error that can occur if counting is done by hand alone.

While a calculator can assist with calculations related to dosages or quantities, it is not useful for physically counting individual tablets or capsules. A digital scale is more appropriate for measuring the weight of bulk quantities rather than counting discrete items. A prescription pad is essential for documenting medication prescriptions but does not play a role in the counting process itself.