North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

What is the proper action when a medication has expired?

1. Use it to gauge symptoms

2. Continue using it until the new supply arrives

3. Discard it properly and obtain a new supply

4. Consult the resident about its potency

The correct answer is: Discard it properly and obtain a new supply

When a medication has expired, the most appropriate course of action is to discard it properly and obtain a new supply. Medications are assigned expiration dates based on stability studies that ascertain their safety and effectiveness up until that date. Once a medication has expired, its efficacy is no longer guaranteed, and using it could potentially risk the patient's health or lead to ineffective treatment. Discarding expired medications also aligns with safety protocols and regulatory requirements that help prevent accidental ingestion or medication errors. Proper disposal ensures that the expired medication does not pose a hazard in the environment or within the healthcare setting. Continuing to use an expired medication or attempting to gauge its symptoms can lead to negative repercussions for the patient’s health, while consulting a resident about potency does not address the underlying issue of safety or efficacy. Thus, obtaining a new supply after proper disposal is the most responsible and safe practice.