Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a pharmacy technician?

A primary responsibility of a pharmacy technician is preparing and dispensing medications. This role is essential in ensuring that patients receive the correct medications in a timely manner, which includes accurately counting, measuring, and mixing medications, as well as labeling containers and providing medication to patients.

This function directly supports licensed pharmacists, who oversee the overall medication management process and ensure that all dispensing adheres to legal and safety regulations. By accurately preparing and dispensing medications, pharmacy technicians play a critical role in patient safety and effective medication therapy.

The other options—initiating new patient consultations, conducting clinical trials, and managing the pharmacy's finances—while important in the broader context of pharmacy practice, do not represent the core duties of pharmacy technicians. These responsibilities typically fall under the purview of pharmacists or other healthcare professionals with advanced training and qualifications.