What must a nuclear pharmacy do if the patient's name is unknown at the time of dispensing a radiopharmaceutical drug?

In the case where a nuclear pharmacy is dispensing a radiopharmaceutical and the patient's name is not known at the time of dispensing, it is essential to follow regulatory guidelines to maintain patient safety and compliance. Obtaining the patient's name within 72 hours is crucial to ensure proper documentation and traceability. This requirement helps to establish accountability for the use of controlled substances and radioactive materials, adhering to best practices in pharmaceutical care.

Recording the patient's identity is important for both legal and safety reasons, as it ensures that there is a clear record of who received the medication, which is particularly vital for radiopharmaceuticals that may have specific handling and safety protocols. By requiring the pharmacy to obtain this information within a specified timeframe, it allows for adequate monitoring and management of the medication's use, while also fulfilling regulatory obligations.

In contrast, the other options do not meet the necessary legal and ethical considerations for handling pharmaceuticals, particularly those with significant implications like radiopharmaceuticals. Simply filling the prescription without knowing the patient's identity compromises the safety protocols, while requesting the doctor's confirmation or notifying regulatory authorities does not address the immediate need to identify the patient, which is a critical part of the dispensing process.