A nurse has an unused portion of a controlled substance after administering a prescribed dose to a client. What is the BEST way for the nurse to safely and appropriately dispose of the remaining medication?
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Set aside the medication and return it to the pharmacy during the next scheduled delivery or pick-up.
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Dispose of the unused portion following your healthcare facility's approved procedures for controlled medications, ensuring proper documentation.
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Flush the remaining medication down the sink or toilet to prevent misuse.
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Place the unused portion into a hazardous waste container designated for biomedical materials.
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.
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Physiological Integrity
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