A client asks the nurse, "what is a drug enforcement agency (dea) number?" what is the nurse's best response?

The nurse would respond to the patient by explaining that, the DEA number is given to pharmacists and physicians after they are registered by drug enforcement agency thereby allowing them to prescribe and dispense controlled drugs. It is a requirement for any professional practicing pharmacy or physicians to register with DEA. The DEA number is only required when prescribing and dispensing controlled substances unlike phone numbers or case numbers that are used all the time.