What is the correct action if a pill is dropped on the floor?

What is the correct action if a pill is dropped on the floor?

• A. Re-dose after cleaning.
• B. Do not re-dose; discard per policy; inform nurse.
• C. Do not re-dose; discard per policy; request a replacement dose if allowed; inform nurse.
• D. Return the pill to the bottle for later use.

Answer: (C)

When a pill drops to the floor, the safest and most appropriate action is to discard it and not administer it. The floor is not a sterile or clean surface, and touching or reusing that pill could introduce contamination or affect the pill’s effectiveness. Returning the pill to the bottle risks contaminating the entire medication supply and could harm other patients. Follow the facility’s policy for disposing of the wasted dose, and inform the nurse so a replacement dose can be provided if allowed by policy. Some systems require documentation and, if allowed, a replacement dose to maintain the prescribed treatment, but you must never re-dose or reuse a dropped medication.

When a pill drops to the floor, the safest and most appropriate action is to discard it and not administer it. The floor is not a sterile or clean surface, and touching or reusing that pill could introduce contamination or affect the pill’s effectiveness. Returning the pill to the bottle risks contaminating the entire medication supply and could harm other patients. Follow the facility’s policy for disposing of the wasted dose, and inform the nurse so a replacement dose can be provided if allowed by policy. Some systems require documentation and, if allowed, a replacement dose to maintain the prescribed treatment, but you must never re-dose or reuse a dropped medication.