True or False: Medications can be given if their expiration dates are approaching but not past.

The correct response is that medications can indeed be administered if their expiration dates are approaching but not past. Medications are often still effective and safe to use up until the expiration date indicated on the packaging. The expiration date represents the manufacturer's guarantee that the medication will maintain its full potency and safety up to that point.

It’s important to note that while medications approaching their expiration date may still be viable, they should be monitored closely for any changes in appearance, smell, or consistency before administration. Once a medication has passed its expiration date, the safety and efficacy cannot be guaranteed, which is why it should not be used.

This approach ensures that individuals receive the intended therapeutic effects of their medications, provided that the medications are stored correctly and remain in compliance with proper handling protocols.