Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

Which method is NOT a recognized method of destroying medications?

1. Burning

2. Garbage disposal

3. Flushing down the toilet

4. Recycling them

The correct answer is: Recycling them

The correct answer is that recycling medications is not a recognized method of destroying them. This is particularly important because medications contain active ingredients that can be harmful if they re-enter the ecosystem or are ingested by unintended recipients. Recycling does not ensure that these harmful substances are neutralized or safely disposed of, which is a critical concern when it comes to protecting public health and the environment. In contrast, burning is a method used in incineration facilities designed to safely dispose of pharmaceuticals, where high temperatures can effectively destroy active compounds. Flushing medications down the toilet is advised for specific medications — particularly those that pose a high risk of accidental ingestion or misuse — as waste treatment facilities can effectively break down and remove these substances from the water supply. Garbage disposal is also discouraged for many types of medications, but when conducted properly and for certain types of medications, it offers a method of disposal, especially when combined with other materials (like water and salt). The emphasis on appropriate medication disposal practices stems from the necessity to mitigate risks associated with drug misuse and environmental contamination, thereby making the rejection of recycling as a method particularly significant.