Missouri State Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

Discontinued medications must be stored as stated by which of the following?

1. Together with current medications

2. In a locked cabinet

3. Separately from current medications

4. On the shelf in the pharmacy

The correct answer is: Separately from current medications

Discontinued medications must be stored separately from current medications to prevent any potential confusion or mix-ups during administration. Storing discontinued medications apart ensures that caregivers and nursing staff can easily identify and access only those medications that are still active and prescribed for residents. This practice enhances medication safety within the facility by minimizing the risk of administering a medication that is no longer needed or has been deemed unsafe for use. Proper storage guidelines also comply with regulatory requirements and best practices in long-term care settings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an organized and safe medication storage system. The separation of these medications helps uphold resident safety by ensuring that only valid, active prescriptions are readily available for administration.