A nurse is new to a residential care center and is administering H.S. medications. One client is not wearing a readable name band. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Ask the client to state his or her name
B. Ask the roommate for the client’s name
C. Ask the client to verify his or her name
D. Check the bed for a name tag
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Ask the client to verify his or her name.
Explanation:
When administering medications, especially in a setting like a residential care center, it is crucial to verify the identity of the client to ensure safety and avoid medication errors. The most accurate and reliable method is to ask the client to verify their own name.
While asking the client to state their name seems like a reasonable alternative, it could potentially lead to confusion if the client has memory issues, cognitive impairment, or is not alert. In some cases, clients might not be able to clearly communicate, and in such scenarios, asking the client to verify their name still ensures that the nurse has taken steps to confirm the client’s identity, as long as the client is cognitively capable of doing so.
Asking the roommate for the client’s name (Option B) is not recommended. The roommate might not always know the client’s full name or could make mistakes. Additionally, roommates may not be able to offer accurate information if they have only recently been paired or are unfamiliar with the client.
Checking the bed for a name tag (Option D) is also not an ideal solution. While it might seem like a quick fix, bed name tags can sometimes be incorrect, missing, or out-of-date, and they do not always reflect the current identity of the client. Relying solely on this method could lead to potential misidentification.
Asking the client to verify their name is the most direct and effective way of confirming identity. If there is any doubt about the client’s cognitive state or ability to confirm their identity, other identification methods, such as checking the client’s medical record or asking another healthcare professional, should be employed to prevent any errors. Ensuring the correct client receives the right medication is essential for patient safety and compliance with best practices in healthcare settings.