When labeling a stock bottle, which information should not be covered up?

In the context of labeling a stock bottle in a pharmacy, the expiration date and the National Drug Code (NDC) are critical pieces of information that must remain visible and uncovered. The expiration date indicates the time frame during which the medication is guaranteed to be effective and safe to use, while the NDC serves as a unique identifier for the medication, ensuring that both pharmacists and patients have access to specific information about the drug's formulation and manufacturer.

Without this information, it could lead to potential medication errors, such as dispensing an expired product or misidentifying the medication. In a pharmacy setting, it's essential to maintain clear visibility of this important data to comply with regulations and to ensure patient safety.

The other options, while important in the context of medication administration, do not carry the same level of necessity for visibility as the expiration date and NDC. For instance, while directions for reconstitution are vital once a bottle is opened, they become relevant primarily during preparation rather than at the stock level. Similarly, lot numbers and prescription numbers are important for tracking and accountability but are secondary compared to the critical details that affect medication efficacy and identification.