How should you identify a patient before medication administration?

• A. Use two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) and confirm with the patient if possible.
• B. Verify with the nurse’s badge alone.
• C. Use room number as identifier.
• D. Rely on chart without patient confirmation.

Answer: (A)

Before giving medication, you must verify the patient’s identity to prevent giving the wrong drug to the wrong person. The best way is to use two identifiers, such as the patient’s full name and date of birth, and confirm with the patient if possible. Using two identifiers creates a safety check that helps catch mix-ups, even if someone shares a room or a similar name. Asking the patient to confirm their name and DOB adds an extra layer of assurance.

Relying on a nurse’s badge only doesn’t identify the patient, and a room number isn’t reliable because patients can move and rooms don’t uniquely identify individuals. Checking the chart alone can lead to errors if the patient’s identity isn’t confirmed at the bedside. In practice, you’d typically scan the patient’s identification bracelet and compare with the MAR or electronic record, then confirm the patient’s name and DOB with them if possible before administration.