The nurse is preparing to administer 8 mg of a 10 mg dose of an intrav

The nurse is preparing to administer 8 mg of a 10 mg dose of an intravenous narcotic. Which of the following statements made by the nurse best reflects an understanding of the appropriate manner to handle this situation?

1. “I will sign out the narcotic before the end-of-shift count is completed.”
2. “I need to get another RN to witness the waste and sign the narcotic sheet.”
3. “Narcotics are expensive, so it makes sense to save the unused portion for the next time they need the drug.”
4. “I always make sure someone sees me place the unused portion on the narcotic in the sharps container.”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
If a nurse gives only part of a premeasured dose of a controlled substance, a second nurse wit-nesses disposal of the unused portion. If paper records are kept, both nurses sign their names on the form. Do not place wasted portions in the sharps containers. Instead, flush wasted portions of tablets down the toilet and wash liquids down the sink. Unused portions of narcotics must not be saved.