Which of the following medications is NOT allowed to be prescribed by an APRN with a 30-day limit and no refills?

The rationale for selecting the medication that is not allowed to be prescribed by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a 30-day limit and no refills lies in understanding the classifications of these medications and the regulatory framework surrounding their prescription.

Ibuprofen is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is available over the counter or by prescription in higher doses. It does not fall under the category of controlled substances, which means it doesn't have the same level of restrictions associated with it. Therefore, an APRN can prescribe ibuprofen without facing the limitations imposed on controlled substances, like a 30-day supply with no refills.

In contrast, diazepam and clonazepam are both benzodiazepines, and hydrocodone products are controlled substances classified under the Controlled Substances Act. These medications are subject to strict regulations that often include limits on the duration of prescribing and the quantity allowed for refills, particularly when prescribed by nurse practitioners or APRNs.

The specific limitation on a 30-day supply and no refills typically applies to various schedules of controlled substances, while non-controlled medications like ibuprofen do not require such constraints. Thus, the correct identification of ibuprofen as the medication that does not