While performing a routine check of the medication storage refrigerator, you discover the temperature log indicates a consistent reading of 50°F for the past week. According to best practices, what is the most appropriate action to take next?
Dispose of any medications that have been in the refrigerator for over a week since they may have been compromised.
Continue to monitor the temperature for changes before taking any action.
Recalibrate the refrigerator’s thermostat yourself to achieve the recommended temperature range.
Report the temperature log readings and the potential impact on medication integrity to your supervisor.
The correct action is to immediately report the temperature discrepancy to your supervisor. Medications that require refrigeration typically need to be stored between 36°F and 46°F. If the temperature is outside of this range, it can affect the potency and safety of the medications. It is critical that this issue is addressed swiftly to prevent patient harm. Removing the expired medications would not address the temperature issue, recalibrating the thermostat may not correct the problem if there's a mechanical failure, and waiting for a temperature change does not mitigate the immediate risk to medication integrity.
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