NCLEX-PN

●​ National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days : The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) periodically organizes National Prescription Drug Take-Back events. These provide opportunities for individuals to safely dispose of prescription drugs. ●​ Local Law Enforcement Programs : Some local law enforcement departments run programs for the safe disposal of prescription drugs. Check if such a program is available in your area. ●​ Healthcare Agencies and Pharmacies : Certain local healthcare agencies or pharmacies may accept unwanted medications for proper disposal. In cases where none of these resources are accessible, clients receiving home care should be advised to contact their local solid waste department for guidance on appropriate medication disposal methods. Regarding controlled substances , stringent measures are in place to ensure their secure handling and documentation. When a controlled substance is wasted, the process must be observed and documented by both the nurse administering the medication and another nurse. This dual documentation serves to maintain accountability and prevent misuse. Moreover, controlled substances, including narcotics, are meticulously recorded in the narcotic record as soon as they are removed from secure, double-locked cabinets. This record-keeping is performed before administration, not afterward. During shift changes, two nurses conduct a thorough count of all narcotics and controlled substances. Any discrepancies are immediately reported for further investigation, ensuring the integrity of medication management and administration processes. Assessing Medication Orders for Accuracy and Appropriateness Nurses play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and appropriateness of medication orders for their clients. Several critical factors are considered and evaluated during this process: ●​ Completeness of the Medication Order : The nurse assesses if the medication order is complete. This includes checking for any missing information, such as drug name, dosage, route, frequency, and duration of treatment. ●​ Accuracy of the Medication Order : The nurse meticulously reviews the medication order for accuracy. This involves confirming that the information provided aligns with best practices and guidelines. Any discrepancies or errors must be addressed promptly. ●​ Appropriateness of the Medication Order : The nurse evaluates whether the prescribed medication is appropriate for the client's condition. This assessment is based on the client's medical history, diagnosis, and current health status. ●​ Client Allergies : The nurse verifies the client's allergy profile to ensure that the prescribed medication does not contain any substances to which the client is allergic. Allergies should be communicated clearly to the healthcare team.

424

© 2025 ACHIEVE ULTIMATE CREDIT-BY-EXAM GUIDE | NCLEX-PN ​

​

​

​

​