What should a nurse do if they find a medication that has been dropped on the floor?

When a nurse finds a medication that has been dropped on the floor, the most appropriate course of action is to discard it and obtain a new dose. This approach ensures patient safety and maintains the integrity of medication administration practices. Medications that come into contact with unsterile surfaces can become contaminated, leading to potential infections or adverse reactions if administered.

By discarding the dropped medication, the nurse upholds standards that prioritize patient health. It is essential to always use medications that are guaranteed to be clean and safe for consumption. Thus, retrieving a new dose from the pharmacy not only conforms to safety protocols but also reflects the ethical responsibility of healthcare providers to protect their patients.

Other options, such as attempting to clean the medication or consulting a pharmacist for advice, compromise safety and would not align with best practices. Storing the dropped medication for future use is also highly inappropriate as it poses a risk to patient safety.