What is the recommended action if a medication appears discolored or has sediment?

In situations where a medication appears discolored or contains sediment, the recommended action is to report it to a supervisor and refrain from administering the medication. This is important for several reasons.

First, changes in a medication's appearance can indicate potential problems such as degradation, contamination, or a chemical reaction that could affect its efficacy and safety. Administering a compromised medication could lead to adverse effects for the patient, including therapeutic failure or harmful reactions.

Reporting to a supervisor ensures that a trained professional can assess the situation, determine the appropriate course of action, and ensure patient safety. This procedure is in line with best practices for medication administration, which prioritize patient health and safety above all else.

Taking any action such as administering, storing for future use, or mixing with another medication without professional guidance would be irresponsible and could jeopardize the patient's well-being. Therefore, the correct response is to report the issue to a supervisor.