81. Which of the following medications is a hazardous drug that requires special handling?
Answer: C
Cisplatin is a hazardous drug that requires special handling.
Cisplatin is classified as a hazardous drug due to its potential to cause significant harm to healthcare workers who handle it, as well as its toxic effects on patients. Special precautions are necessary when managing this medication to ensure safety.
A) Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is not considered a hazardous drug. It is primarily used for lowering cholesterol and does not have the same level of toxicity or risk associated with handling as hazardous medications do.
B) Lovastatin
Lovastatin, similar to atorvastatin, is used for cholesterol management and is not classified as a hazardous drug. Its handling does not require the same special precautions that hazardous medications necessitate.
C) Cisplatin
Cisplatin is a chemotherapy agent known for its severe toxicity, making it a hazardous drug. It poses risks not only to patients but also to healthcare workers, necessitating special handling procedures to minimize exposure.
D) Gabapentin
Gabapentin is not classified as a hazardous drug. While it is used to treat nerve pain and seizures, it does not have the same risks associated with handling as hazardous medications do.
Conclusion
Cisplatin is definitively the correct answer as it is recognized for its hazardous nature, requiring specific handling protocols to protect those who administer it and those who may come into contact with it. In contrast, atorvastatin, lovastatin, and gabapentin do not carry the same level of risk, making them non-hazardous drugs.