The graduate nurse is aware that the count of the unit's narcotics and controlled substances at the change of shifts should involve:

Choice A reason: Narcotics are controlled substances requiring strict accountability; two nurses—one ending and one starting the shift—verify counts to ensure accuracy and prevent diversion per regulatory standards. Choice B reason: The head nurse and pharmacist may oversee inventory, but shift change counts involve direct caregivers for real-time accuracy, not administrative staff, ensuring immediate responsibility and oversight. Choice C reason: Involving all nurses from both shifts is impractical and unnecessary; it dilutes accountability and increases error risk, as only two are needed to confirm the count efficiently. Choice D reason: Pharmacy technicians lack authority over unit narcotics, and the charge nurse alone doesn’t suffice; two nurses ensure a witnessed, reliable count per hospital policy and law.