How many times must you check medication against the Medication Administration Record (MAR)?

The correct number of times to check medication against the Medication Administration Record (MAR) is three. This practice is crucial for ensuring medication safety and preventing errors.

The first check typically occurs when you remove the medication from the storage area. At this point, you confirm the medication’s name, dose, and expiration date against the MAR. The second check happens when you prepare the medication, allowing you to verify the details again before administration. The final check occurs right before you administer the medication to the patient. This third verification is essential as it serves as a last-minute safety measure to confirm that everything matches correctly and that the right patient receives the right dose at the right time.

The process of checking multiple times is a fundamental aspect of medication administration in healthcare to enhance patient safety and reduce the risk of medication errors.