What should outgoing staff do before leaving their shift concerning medications?

Before leaving their shift, outgoing staff should count medications to ensure that the correct inventory is maintained. This practice is crucial for several reasons. First, counting medications helps verify that all doses administered during the shift were accounted for, maintaining accurate records that are essential for patient safety and medication management. It also allows for the identification of any discrepancies, such as missing medications or potential errors, which can prompt further investigation and corrective action.

Additionally, counting medications contributes to the overall accountability of medication administration within the facility. Regular checks help create a reliable system for tracking medication use, which is important for compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies. This vigilance can also help prevent medication errors, misuse, or theft.

The other options, while they may address medication handling, do not specifically address the essential accountability aspect of counting medications at the end of a shift. For example, leaving medications with a supervisor does not ensure that the staff member is aware of the current inventory status. Discarding unused medications may not be appropriate, as it could lead to wasted resources or improper disposal practices. Preparing a report on medication usage is vital but is typically a separate and additional responsibility rather than a standard procedure right before leaving a shift.