Who should be asked to be a witness when wasting morphine the nurse has administered?

When wasting morphine or any controlled substance, the protocol typically requires that another licensed healthcare professional witness the process to ensure accountability and compliance with regulatory guidelines. In this context, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is qualified to act as a witness due to their training and licensure, which confirms their understanding of medication administration and legal responsibilities concerning controlled substances.

Having a licensed practical nurse present as a witness adds a layer of trust and verification to the process. It ensures that the morphine is indeed being wasted properly and that both the administering nurse and the witness are adhering to the established protocols. Other healthcare professionals, like registered nurses and physicians, may also serve as witnesses, but the scenario specifically identifies the LPN as the correct choice, possibly emphasizing the role they play within a nursing team setting.

The choice of a nursing assistant would not be appropriate because they do not possess the same level of training and licensure required to witness the wasting of controlled substances. Similarly, while a physician is certainly a qualified professional, the practice standard typically includes nursing staff, such as LPNs or RNs, rather than medical doctors in this specific context.