A nurse is discussing issues regarding controlled substances and reporting with a newly licensed nurse in an inpatient facility. Which of the following statements made by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale: A. "Controlled substances are kept in the bottom drawer of the medication cart.": Controlled substances are stored in locked, secure medication dispensing systems or locked drawers—not casually in the bottom drawer. Security measures are in place to prevent diversion and ensure accurate tracking. B. "I should verify the number of controlled substances at the end of the shift. The provider is responsible for inventory of controlled substances.": While end-of-shift counts are standard practice, the nurse not the provider is responsible for verifying inventory at shift change. Accountability for handling and documenting controlled substances lies with nursing staff. C. "If a controlled substance requires a waste, a second nurse must witness the waste.": This is a correct and essential safety protocol. When wasting part of a controlled substance dose, a second licensed nurse must witness and document the waste to prevent diversion and ensure accurate medication tracking. D. "Computer controlled substance inventory is reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration every 10 years.": Facilities are required to maintain records and conduct regular audits, and the DEA mandates inventory at least every 2 years not every 10. Reporting frequency and requirements are more stringent.