How can you ensure you have the correct patient before administering medication?

To ensure that you have the correct patient before administering medication, asking the patient to state their name and date of birth, and then comparing that information to the medication administration record (MAR) and their wristband is the most effective approach. This method incorporates multiple verification steps, significantly reducing the risk of medication errors.

By confirming both the name and date of birth, you are not only checking for accuracy against the medication label but also actively involving the patient in the identification process, which can serve as an additional safeguard. The wristband often contains crucial identification information; however, relying solely on the wristband does not fully engage the patient and can lead to errors if the band is incorrect or not matched with the medical record.

Checking only the medication label risks misidentification if there are patients with similar names. Verifying against medical records alone is less practical at the moment of medication administration, as it may not be readily available or require additional time that could delay care. Thus, employing both the patient's verbal confirmation and written identifiers from the MAR and wristband is a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to ensuring the right patient receives the correct medication.