The nurse is teaching a client about prescribed medications. One of the medications is a controlled substance and the client asks the nurse to explain what that means. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. A controlled substance is regulated under the Controlled Substances Act, and may have many restrictions placed on ordering or refilling this medication.
2. A controlled substance requires both a written prescription and a telephone call from the prescribing practitioner.
3. A controlled substance does not require a prescription to purchase.
4. A controlled substance is always called to the pharmacy by the practitioner.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1

Rationale 1: In the United States, a controlled substance is a drug restricted by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and later revisions. The Controlled Substances Act is also called the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Hospitals and pharmacies must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and use their assigned registration numbers to purchase scheduled drugs. They must maintain complete records of all quantities purchased and sold.
Rationale 2: Requires both a written prescription and a telephone call from the prescribing practitioner is incorrect because Schedule II orders must be written and signed by the health care practitioner. Telephone orders to a pharmacy are not permitted. Refills for Schedule II drugs are not permitted; patients must visit their health care practitioner first.
Rationale 3: Does not require a prescription to purchase is incorrect because controlled substances require a prescription. Hospitals and pharmacies must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and use their assigned registration numbers to purchase scheduled drugs. They must maintain complete records of all quantities purchased and sold.
Rationale 4: A controlled substance is always called to the pharmacy by the practitioner is incorrect because Schedule II orders must be written and signed by the health care practitioner. Telephone orders to a pharmacy are not permitted. Refills for Schedule II drugs are not permitted; patients must visit their health care practitioner first.

Global Rationale: In the United States, a controlled substance is a drug restricted by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and later revisions. The Controlled Substances Act is also called the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Hospitals and pharmacies must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and use their assigned registration numbers to purchase scheduled drugs. They must maintain complete records of all quantities purchased and sold. Requires both a written prescription and a telephone call from the prescribing practitioner is incorrect because Schedule II orders must be written and signed by the health care practitioner. Telephone orders to a pharmacy are not permitted. Refills for Schedule II drugs are not permitted; patients must visit their health care practitioner first. Does not require a prescription to purchase is incorrect because controlled substances require a prescription. Hospitals and pharmacies must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and use their assigned registration numbers to purchase scheduled drugs. They must maintain complete records of all quantities purchased and sold. It is always called to the pharmacy by the practitioner is incorrect because Schedule II orders must be written and signed by the health care practitioner. Telephone orders to a pharmacy are not permitted. Refills for Schedule II drugs are not permitted; patients must visit their health care practitioner first.