North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Can medications be given if they are past their expiration date?

1. Yes, if the resident requests it

2. No, that would be unsafe

3. Only if they appear normal

4. Yes, under special circumstances

The correct answer is: No, that would be unsafe

Medications should not be administered if they are past their expiration date because safety and efficacy can be compromised. Medications have expiration dates that are determined through stability testing, and after this date, there is a risk that the medication may not work as intended or could potentially lead to harmful effects. The integrity and potency of the active ingredients might deteriorate over time, and in some cases, the breakdown products can be harmful. Using expired medications poses a significant risk to patients, particularly in a healthcare setting where the well-being of residents is paramount. Safety protocols are strict to protect patients, and administering expired medications violates these protocols. While some medications might maintain their effectiveness for a period beyond their expiration, it is not safe or advisable to rely on this. Hence, the guidance is to avoid administering any expired medications altogether.