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?
A.
Withdraw the medication into a syringe and label it with the client’s name.
B.
Throw the vial into the trash in the presence of another nurse.
C.
Place the vial with the remainder of the medication into a locked drawer.
D.
Ask another nurse to witness the medication being discarded.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Ask another nurse to witness the medication being discarded.
Explanation:
When administering medications, especially controlled substances or those that have a potential for misuse, it’s essential to follow strict protocols for handling and disposing of any remaining medication. In this case, the nurse is administering lorazepam, which is a benzodiazepine. This class of medications is often regulated due to their potential for abuse and the risk of dependency.
Rationale for Option D:
- Safety and Accountability: Having another nurse witness the disposal of the remaining medication promotes safety and accountability. This practice ensures that the medication is not misused or improperly disposed of, which could lead to patient safety concerns or legal issues.
- Compliance with Protocols: Many healthcare facilities have specific policies that require two-person verification for the disposal of controlled substances. This helps maintain transparency and can prevent errors or misconduct.
- Documentation: Witnessing the disposal often requires documentation, which is crucial in maintaining accurate medication administration records. It provides a clear audit trail and can be vital if there are questions or concerns about medication handling.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- A. Withdraw the medication into a syringe and label it with the client’s name: This is inappropriate as it violates protocols for medication safety and could lead to medication errors. It’s generally unsafe to store opened vials of medications for later use.
- B. Throw the vial into the trash in the presence of another nurse: Disposing of medication in regular trash is against safe disposal practices and can pose risks to others.
- C. Place the vial with the remainder of the medication into a locked drawer: This option is also incorrect as it implies storing potentially dangerous medications for later use, which is unsafe and not compliant with medication administration policies.
In conclusion, option D is the most responsible and compliant choice for handling leftover lorazepam, ensuring patient safety and adherence to professional standards.