A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client for the first time and needs to know about potential food and medication interactions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Answer: B. Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes.

Rationale:

A. Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy:
Returning unused medication to the pharmacy is a common practice; however, it typically applies to unopened or excess stock. In this case, the medication has been partially administered, and returning it is not appropriate. The facility may have specific protocols regarding handling partial doses of controlled substances.

B. Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes:
This action is appropriate as it follows safety protocols for controlled substances. Having another nurse witness the disposal ensures accountability and transparency, which is crucial in preventing misuse or diversion of medication. The facility likely has procedures for the safe disposal of narcotics, making this the correct choice.

C. Store the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system:
Storing partial doses in the automated dispensing system is not permitted. This could lead to confusion regarding dosing and may violate policies on medication management, especially for controlled substances.

D. Place the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package:
Repackaging leftover medication is inappropriate for controlled substances due to the risk of misadministration and tracking issues. This could also violate safety regulations, as it complicates accountability for medication use.

A) Wear gloves when handling the medication: This is the correct action to take when preparing to administer a hazardous IV medication. Wearing gloves helps protect the nurse from direct contact with the medication, reducing the risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances.

B) Administer the medication in a negative pressure room: While some hazardous medications may require administration in a negative pressure room to prevent the spread of airborne contaminants, this is not a standard precaution for administering IV medications. Negative pressure rooms are typically used for airborne infection isolation rather than for medication administration.

C) Administer the medication while wearing protective footwear: While wearing appropriate footwear is important for general safety in healthcare settings, it is not specifically required for administering hazardous IV medications. Protective footwear may be necessary in certain situations, such as when handling biohazardous materials or when there is a risk of spills, but it is not directly related to IV medication administration.

D) Wear an N95 respiratory mask when administering the medication: While respiratory protection may be necessary when handling certain hazardous substances, such as those that produce airborne particles or aerosols, it is not typically required for administering IV medications. N95 masks are primarily used for respiratory protection in situations where there is a risk of inhaling airborne contaminants, such as infectious agents or hazardous chemicals.