RN Exam Practice
Management of CareQuestion 431 of 2368

A nurse administers only part of a controlled substance dose and must discard the rest. What is usually required?

  1. A verbal report to the charge nurse at the end of the shift
  2. Return of the unused portion to the client's room
  3. Documentation by assistive personnel only
  4. The co-signature of a second licensed staff member
Show answer

Correct answer: The co-signature of a second licensed staff member

Waste of a controlled substance often requires a second licensed staff member to co-sign.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Legal/Ethical: EXAMPLES OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS REGARDING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Management of Care"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026