Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

What is the recommended action for scheduled drugs 2-5 that a patient no longer needs?

1. Throw them in the garbage

2. Return them to the pharmacy

3. Mail them to the drug control division

4. Store them for future use

The correct answer is: Mail them to the drug control division

The recommended action for scheduled drugs that a patient no longer needs is to mail them to the drug control division. This choice aligns with the proper protocols for disposing of controlled substances, which are designed to prevent misuse and ensure public safety. Controlled substances, especially those in schedules II-V, are at a higher risk for abuse, so their disposal must be handled carefully to avoid environmental contamination or illegal access. Returning them to the drug control division helps facilitate safe disposal in compliance with regulatory requirements. This process helps to guarantee that these drugs are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner that reduces the risk of drug diversion. Approaches like throwing medications in the garbage or storing them for future use could pose safety and health risks, as they might lead to accidental ingestion by children, pets, or unauthorized individuals. Sending medications through the mail, especially to a designated authority, ensures that the disposal is handled properly and in line with regulations.