A charge nurse in a long-term care facility is preparing an educational program about delirium for newly hired nurses. Which of the following statements should the nurse plan to include?

Choice A reason:
Mixing medications together in a single syringe is not recommended unless specifically approved by a pharmacist or healthcare provider, as some medications may interact with each other and cause adverse effects or reduced efficacy.
Choice B reason:
Medications should not be combined with the formula in the feeding bag. This can alter the effectiveness of both the medications and the feeding formula.
Choice C reason:
Flushing the NG tube with 5 mL of sterile water is generally not enough. The tube should be flushed with a sufficient amount of water (usually 15-30 mL) before and after administering medications to ensure that the medications are delivered properly and to prevent clogging.
Choice D reason:
Each medication should be diluted with sterile water to ensure it can pass through the NG tube without clogging and to facilitate proper absorption.

Choice A reason:
Placing the wasted portion of the controlled substance in the sharp container is not correct. Wasted controlled substances should be disposed of according to specific regulations and facility protocols.
Choice B reason:
Asking a second nurse to record her signature when wasting an unused portion of the controlled substance is not a standard practice. The process for wasting controlled substances usually involves following specific documentation procedures, but this does not necessarily require a second nurse's signature.
Choice C reason:
Verifying the count total of the controlled substance after removing the amount needed is the appropriate action. When administering a controlled substance, it is crucial to maintain accurate accountability of the medication. This includes verifying the count total of the controlled substance before and after removing the amount needed for administration. This step helps ensure proper documentation, prevent errors, and maintain appropriate control over controlled substances.
Choice D reason:
Reporting any discrepancy in the count total of the controlled substance after administration is important, but it should be done as a separate step from verifying the count total before administration. Discrepancies should be reported according to facility policy to ensure proper investigation and resolution.