What kind of references should be readily accessible in both general and hospital pharmacy practice settings?

In both general and hospital pharmacy practice settings, it is crucial to have readily accessible references that contribute to patient safety and effective clinical decision-making. The telephone number for the poison control center is essential because pharmacists often encounter situations involving potential poisonings or overdoses. Having immediate access to this information allows them to provide rapid guidance for emergency treatment and advice, which can significantly affect patient outcomes.

While the other options may have their respective values in certain contexts, they do not hold the same immediate urgency or relevance in day-to-day pharmacy practice. Treatment protocols for rare diseases, for example, might not be commonly consulted during regular operations and are not as universally applicable. Statistics on national medication use can provide insights into trends and usage patterns but are less critical in urgent care situations. Likewise, inventory management guidelines are important for the efficient operation of a pharmacy but do not directly contribute to patient care in the same immediate way as a poison control center contact. The key focus here is having resources that ensure the safety and well-being of patients at all times.