A nurse is preparing to administer pain medication to a postoperative client who had a total knee replacement and reports pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following PRN medications should the nurse plan to administer?

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

Rationale:

A) Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy: Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy: This is not typical practice for partial doses of controlled substances like hydromorphone. The pharmacy usually does not accept leftover portions of such medications.

B) Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes: This is the correct and appropriate action. When administering controlled substances, any unused portion must be properly disposed of to prevent misuse or diversion. Having another nurse observe and document the disposal ensures accountability and adherence to safety protocols.

C) Store the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system: Storing a partial tablet of a controlled substance is not appropriate. The automated medication dispensing system is designed to store and dispense whole doses of medication as prescribed. Storing partial tablets can lead to confusion, contamination, and potential misuse. It also increases the risk of medication errors, as the partial dose may not be easily identifiable or accurately accounted for.

D) Place the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package: his practice is not acceptable for controlled substances due to the risk of misuse, contamination, and the potential for medication errors. Controlled substances require strict handling and disposal procedures to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Placing a partial tablet back into the unit-dose package does not align with these standards and could lead to inappropriate use or administration.

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.