Question

A client with terminal cancer has been receiving a fentanyl patch for pain control. The client dies 24 hours after application of the patch. Which action should the nurse take? ? A. Document the transfer of the patch to the morgue ? B. Have another nurse witness the disposal of the patch ? C. Remove the patch and place it with client’s belongings ? D. Remove the patch and return it to the pharmacy

Short answer

Answer: Have another nurse witness the disposal of the patch.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Fentanyl as a Controlled Substance

Fentanyl is a potent opioid pain medication that is classified as a controlled substance. It is crucial to properly handle and dispose of fentanyl patches to prevent abuse, theft, or accidental exposure.

Evaluate Option A

Option A suggests documenting the transfer of the patch to the morgue. But, since it is the responsibility of the nurse to ensure the proper disposal of the fentanyl patch to prevent abuse and accidental exposure, this option is not appropriate.

Evaluate Option B

Option B suggests having another nurse witness the disposal of the patch. This option is the most appropriate, as witnessing the disposal ensures that the patch is properly discarded, and it follows the standard policy for disposing of controlled substances in healthcare settings.

Evaluate Option C

Option C suggests removing the patch and placing it with the client's belongings. This option is not appropriate because placing the patch with the client's belongings could potentially lead to abuse, theft, or accidental exposure.

Evaluate Option D

Option D suggests removing the patch and returning it to the pharmacy. Although returning the patch to the pharmacy seems to follow general safe disposal practices, it is not the most appropriate action in this case. Most hospital settings require that proper disposal of controlled substances like fentanyl patches follows a specific protocol, which usually involves "wasting" and is witnessed by a second healthcare professional.

Determine the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, the correct answer would be Option B - Have another nurse witness the disposal of the patch. This option ensures that the fentanyl patch is disposed of properly, preventing potential abuse, theft, or accidental exposure, and follows the standard protocol for controlled substances in healthcare settings.