PACU Parenteral controlled substances - single use or secured storage

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Julie A DAmbrosi
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Joined: 07/22/2017 - 06:53
PACU Parenteral controlled substances - single use or secured storage

I am exploring the potential of secured storage of controlled substances in our PACUs. Fentanyl, as an example, is often given in increments of 25 mcg or 50 mcg every 5 minutes PRN severe pain. If the RN vends 100 mcg, is it always handled as a single use item or is the remainder conserved in a secure fashion for future increment doses? If yes, how do you ensure integrity in the chain of custody and what processes are in place for reduce the potential for diversion and/or to detect diversion?