Final answer:
When a medication brought into an inpatient facility cannot be administered, healthcare providers must explain why to the patient, document it, secure or dispose of the medicine as per hospital policy, and return it upon discharge if applicable.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient brings medication into an inpatient facility and the medication cannot be administered, several important steps must occur. Firstly, the healthcare provider must explain to the patient the reasons why the medication cannot be used. This might relate to hospital policies, potential for medication interactions, or safety concerns. Often, hospitals have specific guidelines about the use of outside medications to ensure correct dosage and to avoid medication errors.
Next, the medication should be documented in the patient's medical record, including the reason it's not being administered. If the medication is critical to the patient's health and no hospital-supplied equivalent is available, arrangements may be made for its use under certain conditions. Otherwise, the medication should be safely secured, often in the hospital pharmacy, and returned to the patient upon discharge.
In some cases, especially when dealing with controlled substances, medications brought by patients may need to be disposed of according to regulated procedures. Healthcare facilities may have a process for medication disposal or return, ensuring adherence to legal and safety standards. Educating the patient about this process is key to maintaining transparency and trust.