What action should be taken if a suspicious drug is received?

When a suspicious drug is received, the appropriate action is to notify the manager and segregate the product. This response is crucial for several reasons. First, notifying a manager ensures that the situation is escalated to someone with the authority and expertise to assess the risk properly and take further action if necessary. Additionally, segregating the product prevents it from being inadvertently used or sold, which could pose a risk to patient safety and undermine compliance with regulatory standards.

Segregation also facilitates a thorough investigation of the drug's status, including potential verification of its authenticity, its supply chain history, and any other relevant factors that could indicate whether it is safe for use. This step is aligned with best practices for medication safety and adherence to guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies, which emphasize the importance of addressing potential hazards proactively.

In contrast, returning the product without further investigation, continuing to sell it, or simply documenting and storing it could lead to serious safety risks, regulatory violations, and harm to patients. Thus, the selected action of notifying the manager and segregating the product is essential for maintaining safety and ensuring compliance within the healthcare environment.