Safe, Effective Care Environment
32. A nurse returns to work after vacation and the clients are all new to the RN. National Patient Safety Goals require that at least two pieces of identification must be used to establish client identity. The best approach to identifying the clients before giving medications would be to:
. Have the client spell name and give date of birth.
. Check the room number and bracelet.
. Ask the family and client to verify the name.
. Check the client's Medication Administration Record (MAR) and chart.
Test-Taking Tip
Look for the most reliable form of identity verification.
Content Area: Management of Care, Error Prevention; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Comprehension; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Safety and Infection Control/Error Prevention
Safe, Effective Care Environment
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Answer 1 is correct because spelling the name and stating birth date would only be possible by the actual client. Answer 2 is incorrect because clients can wander in and out of rooms. Answer 3 is incorrect because client misidentification has been reported with verbal affirmation of name. Answer 4 is incorrect because there is no assurance that the client who is receiving the medication is the client on the MAR.