Question

A nurse is conducting an in-service with a group of newly licensed nurses about handling controlled substances. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

a) Store controlled substances in an unlocked cabinet.
b) Keep a record of the amount of controlled substances administered.
c) Discard any unused controlled substances in the regular trash.
d) Share access codes for controlled substance storage.

Answer 1

The nurse should include information on storing, administering, and disposing of controlled substances properly.

Step-by-step explanation:

When conducting an in-service about handling controlled substances, the nurse should include the following information:

1. Store controlled substances in a locked cabinet: Controlled substances should always be stored in a secure, locked cabinet to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Keep a record of the amount administered: It is important to maintain a detailed record of the amount of controlled substances administered to ensure accurate documentation and prevent any misuse or diversion.
3. Dispose of unused controlled substances properly: Unused controlled substances should be disposed of in a designated and secure disposal system, such as a medication incinerator or a take-back program, to prevent environmental contamination and unauthorized access.

It is crucial to emphasize the importance of following the legal and ethical guidelines when handling controlled substances to ensure patient safety and prevent any legal issues.