Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

How should medications that have been discontinued (DC'd) be handled?

1. Return them to the supplier

2. Destroy them on the premises

3. Store them for later reference

4. Give them to another patient

The correct answer is: Destroy them on the premises

Handling discontinued medications properly is essential for ensuring patient safety and compliance with regulations. When medications are discontinued, they should be destroyed on the premises to prevent accidental use, misuse, or diversion. This practice is in line with safe medication management protocols that prioritize the safety of both current patients and the integrity of the healthcare system. Destruction on the premises ensures that any remaining medications are handled in a controlled manner, following appropriate disposal guidelines that comply with legal regulations. This minimizes the risk of exposure to harmful substances or potential abuse by unauthorized individuals. Storing discontinued medications for later reference, returning them to the supplier, or giving them to another patient is not aligned with best practices for medication management. These actions could lead to confusion, incorrect medication administration, or legal implications, as they violate established protocols for handling medications that are no longer prescribed for a patient.