In which instance should a pharmacy team member perform a store-initiated cycle count?

A store-initiated cycle count should be performed when inventory appears unusually high or low because this is a crucial practice in maintaining accurate inventory records. When discrepancies in expected stock levels are observed, a cycle count helps to quickly identify and resolve issues such as theft, loss, misplacement, or receiving errors. Conducting a cycle count in these situations allows the pharmacy team to determine the cause of the inventory imbalance and make necessary corrections. It also supports effective inventory management, ensuring that the pharmacy has the right amount of medication on hand to meet patient needs while minimizing waste or shortages.

Other options have limitations. Performing cycle counts only during peak hours could disrupt customer service and leave less time for thorough inventory checks. Scheduling counts at the beginning of the month or every weekend may not address specific inventory discrepancies and could be inefficient if counts are not based on the actual need to investigate inventory levels. Thus, the option focusing on unusual inventory conditions provides the most practical and response-oriented approach to inventory management.