A nurse is preparing a client’s evening dose of risperidone when the tablet falls on the countertop. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Wash the tablet off with alcohol and place it in a clean medication.
B.
Use the tablet’s packaging to pick it up from the counter.
C.
Discard the tablet and obtain another dose of medication.
D.
Place the tablet directly into a medication cup.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Discard the tablet and obtain another dose of medication.
Explanation:
When a tablet falls on the countertop, it is important to consider several factors to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medication. In this case, the most appropriate action is to discard the fallen tablet and obtain a new dose. Here’s why this is the best course of action:
- Contamination Risk: The countertop, even if it appears clean, may harbor bacteria, dust, or other contaminants. When the tablet falls, it can come into contact with these contaminants, potentially leading to infection or other adverse effects if ingested. The risk of contamination is significant enough to warrant discarding the tablet to ensure patient safety.
- Regulatory and Safety Standards: Medical and pharmaceutical guidelines generally recommend that any medication that has fallen on the floor or a surface should be discarded. This is in line with safety protocols to avoid the possibility of contamination and to maintain the integrity of the medication. It is crucial to adhere to these standards to prevent compromising patient health.
- Medication Integrity: The integrity of the medication can be compromised when it falls on a surface. The tablet might have been damaged or might have absorbed substances from the countertop, which could affect its effectiveness or lead to unintended side effects.
- Practical Considerations: Using the tablet’s packaging to pick it up or washing it with alcohol are not recommended practices. Alcohol might alter the tablet’s chemical composition, and using packaging does not address potential contamination or damage. Placing the tablet directly into a medication cup without addressing the contamination issue is also not safe.
By discarding the tablet and obtaining a new dose, the nurse ensures that the medication administered is safe, uncontaminated, and retains its intended effectiveness. This practice aligns with best practices in medication administration and patient safety protocols.