If a medication is spilled, what is the appropriate action regarding readministration?

If a medication is spilled, what is the appropriate action regarding readministration?

• A. Proceed with re-administration after cleaning.
• B. Administer a reduced dose.
• C. Consult hospital pharmacy to re-issue.
• D. Do not use; discard per protocol and obtain a replacement; document incident.

Answer: (D)

Spilled medications cannot be trusted to deliver the correct dose or remain free of contamination. The safest action is to discard the medication per protocol, obtain a replacement, and document the incident. Cleaning does not guarantee removal of all drug or contaminants, and re-administering a portion or a reduced dose could still result in underdosing or unpredictable effects. While pharmacy may issue a replacement, the immediate and proper step in the field is to discard and replace, with proper documentation of the incident.

Spilled medications cannot be trusted to deliver the correct dose or remain free of contamination. The safest action is to discard the medication per protocol, obtain a replacement, and document the incident. Cleaning does not guarantee removal of all drug or contaminants, and re-administering a portion or a reduced dose could still result in underdosing or unpredictable effects. While pharmacy may issue a replacement, the immediate and proper step in the field is to discard and replace, with proper documentation of the incident.