How many times should you check a medication before administering it?

How many times should you check a medication before administering it?

• A. One time
• B. Three times
• C. Two times
• D. Four times

Answer: (B)

Verifying a medication at three distinct points helps ensure the right drug is given to the right patient at the right time. Start by checking the medication when you retrieve it from storage, comparing the label to the patient's order or MAR. Then verify again during preparation or pouring to confirm the name, dose, form, and route match the order. Finally, perform a last check just before administering, confirming the label, patient identity, and any special instructions. If anything doesn’t align, pause and recheck or discard as needed. Using barcode scanning, when available, can add an extra layer of accuracy during these checks. This three-check approach is a proven way to reduce errors like wrong drug, wrong dose, or wrong patient.

Verifying a medication at three distinct points helps ensure the right drug is given to the right patient at the right time. Start by checking the medication when you retrieve it from storage, comparing the label to the patient's order or MAR. Then verify again during preparation or pouring to confirm the name, dose, form, and route match the order. Finally, perform a last check just before administering, confirming the label, patient identity, and any special instructions. If anything doesn’t align, pause and recheck or discard as needed. Using barcode scanning, when available, can add an extra layer of accuracy during these checks. This three-check approach is a proven way to reduce errors like wrong drug, wrong dose, or wrong patient.