You discover medication in a student's backpack during the day. Which action should you take first to ensure proper authorization?

• A. Return it to the student after asking what it is.
• B. Notify the nurse/admin to confirm authorization.
• C. Dispose of the medication immediately.
• D. Give the medication to the student to avoid a disruption.

Answer: (B)

Handling medications at school requires verification by the nurse to ensure there is an active, documented authorization before any action is taken. When you find medication, the first step is to alert the school nurse or administrator so they can confirm the prescription order, the correct student, dosage, and administration plan. This protects the student’s safety, complies with policy, and avoids legal or confidentiality issues.

While waiting for authorization, do not touch, identify, distribute, or discard the medication. The nurse will determine the appropriate next steps, such as securing the medication or returning it to a parent per policy. This approach prevents potential harm and ensures that only someone with proper authorization handles medications.