If you see an unlabeled medication sitting out, what should you do?

Using an unlabeled medication without confirming its identity poses significant risks, including the potential for administering the wrong drug or incorrect dosage. It is crucial to prioritize patient safety and adhere to medication administration protocols. In a healthcare setting, medications should always be properly labeled to ensure that they can be easily identified, and using a medication without this verification contravenes safety practices.

In this scenario, the appropriate course of action would involve not just relying on personal confidence, but actively seeking verification from a colleague or using available resources to identify the medication accurately. Medications should never be used if their identity is uncertain, as this can lead to harmful consequences for patients.

Therefore, the best response to encountering an unlabeled medication would focus on verifying its identity rather than using it based on confidence alone. Seeking help from a colleague or appropriate personnel ensures that safety protocols are followed, thereby safeguarding patient health.