Question

Dispose of the medication with a second nurse as a witness. (The nurse is legally required to have a witness when disposing of a controlled substance.)

a) to ensure proper disposal protocols
b) to protect against medication theft
c) to maintain patient confidentiality
d) to promote medication hoarding

Answer 1

The presence of a witness during the disposal of controlled substances by a nurse is primarily to protect against medication theft, ensure proper disposal protocols, and maintain patient confidentiality. This is important for both the safety of patients and healthcare workers and the environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When nurses dispose of medication, particularly controlled substances, they are usually required to do so in the presence of a second nurse or an authorized witness. This procedure serves multiple purposes:

• Protect against medication theft: This is a critical factor in the healthcare setting, where the misuse of controlled substances can lead to serious issues, such as the case where a healthcare worker was caught stealing painkillers, leading to significant consequences including patients testing positive for HIV.
• To ensure proper disposal protocols are followed, which is important for environmental safety and to comply with regulatory standards.
• To maintain patient confidentiality and the integrity of the healthcare provider's practice.

While promoting medication hoarding is not a reason for having a witness during drug disposal, it is mentioned as an incorrect option in the question.