NCLEX RN Practice Question

The correct answer is to safely dispose of the remaining controlled substance according to organizational procedures. Healthcare facilities establish protocols to ensure compliance with legal regulations and promote accountability, such as requiring documentation and a witness for controlled medications. Disposing of the medication in general waste or flushing it down the sink increases the risk of environmental harm and does not align with safe practices. Returning it to the pharmacy might be appropriate for certain medications but delays the immediate disposal of controlled substances, which is often required to reduce risks such as diversion.