The nurse is preparing to administer lorazepam 1.5 mg IV to an anxious preoperative client. The medication is available in a 2 mg/mL vial. Which action should the nurse perform with the remainder of the medication?
Place the vial with the remainder of the medication into a locked drawer.
Withdraw the medication into a syringe and label it with the client’s name.
Ask another nurse to witness the medication being discarded.
Throw the vial into the trash in the presence of another nurse.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Placing the vial with the remainder of the medication into a locked drawer is not appropriate because it does not ensure proper documentation and accountability for the remaining medication. Controlled substances require strict documentation and disposal procedures.
Choice B rationale
Withdrawing the medication into a syringe and labeling it with the client’s name is not necessary and can lead to errors or contamination. The medication should not be stored for future use in this manner.
Choice C rationale
Asking another nurse to witness the medication being discarded is the correct action. This ensures proper documentation, accountability, and compliance with regulations for the disposal of unused or remaining medications, especially controlled substances.
Choice D rationale
Throwing the vial into the trash in the presence of another nurse is not appropriate. It does not ensure proper documentation, accountability, or safe disposal of the remaining medication. Controlled substances require specific disposal procedures to prevent misuse or diversion.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the vial with the remainder of the medication into a locked drawer is not appropriate because it does not ensure proper documentation and accountability for the remaining medication. Controlled substances require strict documentation and disposal procedures.
Choice B rationale
Withdrawing the medication into a syringe and labeling it with the client’s name is not necessary and can lead to errors or contamination. The medication should not be stored for future use in this manner.
Choice C rationale
Asking another nurse to witness the medication being discarded is the correct action. This ensures proper documentation, accountability, and compliance with regulations for the disposal of unused or remaining medications, especially controlled substances.
Choice D rationale
Throwing the vial into the trash in the presence of another nurse is not appropriate. It does not ensure proper documentation, accountability, or safe disposal of the remaining medication. Controlled substances require specific disposal procedures to prevent misuse or diversion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Wearing gloves to dispose of the needle and syringe is a good practice to prevent needlestick injuries and contamination. However, it does not directly indicate an understanding of standard precautions, which emphasize hand hygiene as a primary measure.
Choice B rationale
Removing the needle before discarding used syringes is not recommended as it increases the risk of needlestick injuries. Standard precautions emphasize the safe disposal of sharps in puncture-resistant containers without manipulating the needle.
Choice C rationale
Donning a face mask before administering medication is not a standard precaution for handling syringes and needles. Standard precautions focus more on hand hygiene and the use of gloves when there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
Choice D rationale
Washing hands before handling the needle and syringe is a fundamental aspect of standard precautions. Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of infections and is a clear indication of understanding standard precautions.