A nurse has withdrawn a narcotic from the medication dispenser and must waste a portion of the medication. What should the nurse do?

The correct answer is A: Have another nurse witness the wasted medication. This is important for accountability and to ensure proper documentation. By having another nurse witness the wasted medication, it helps prevent medication errors, diversion, and promotes safe medication practices. Returning the wasted medication to the dispenser (choice B) is incorrect as it can lead to potential errors if reused. Placing the wasted medication in the sharps container (choice C) is incorrect as sharps containers are meant for disposal of sharp items, not medications. Exiting the room to call the health care provider (choice D) is incorrect as it delays the proper disposal of the wasted medication and is not necessary for this situation.