Which nursing action is appropriate when pulling the plunger of the syringe back prior to administering medication and blood is aspirated in the syringe?

Choice A reason: Checking with another nurse may occur, but it’s not mandatory for all schedule II drugs; documentation is the primary legal responsibility to track controlled substances accurately.

Choice B reason: Signing out on a narcotic sheet is required; schedule II drugs like opioids need strict tracking to prevent diversion, ensuring accountability per federal and hospital regulations.

Choice C reason: Leaving medication at the bedside violates security; schedule II drugs must remain controlled, as unattended narcotics risk theft or misuse, breaching safety protocols entirely.

Choice D reason: Extra water is irrelevant to responsibility; it’s a hydration tip, not a legal or safety duty tied to administering highly regulated schedule II controlled substances.

Choice A reason: Blood aspiration indicates vascular entry; discarding prevents IV administration of a drug meant for another route, avoiding rapid absorption risks or contamination.

Choice B reason: Giving despite blood risks unintended IV delivery; drugs like IM injections aren’t formulated for this, potentially causing toxicity or embolism.

Choice C reason: Changing the needle doesn’t address blood-mixed medication; it remains unsafe for injection, as the dose is compromised and potentially contaminated.

Choice D reason: Omitting skips treatment unnecessarily; the issue is procedural, not the order, and restarting ensures the patient receives the intended therapy safely.