What should be included in medication administration records (MAR)?

Medication administration records (MAR) are essential tools in healthcare that provide a detailed log of all medications administered to a patient. Including patient identification, medication details, dosage, and administration times in the MAR ensures accurate tracking of what has been given and when, which is critical for patient safety and effective medication management.

Patient identification is necessary to confirm that the right patient is receiving the correct medication. Medication details and dosages are crucial for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness and avoiding adverse effects due to potential overdoses or underdoses. The administration times are important for adhering to prescribed schedules, ensuring continuity of care, and facilitating timely interventions if needed.

Other options listed may contain relevant information, but they do not encompass the comprehensive, real-time data necessary for medication administration. For instance, while patient medical history and allergies are vital for prescribing medications safely, they are not included in the MAR directly. Doctor's notes and prescriptions serve more as supporting documentation rather than the core content of the MAR itself. Lastly, only noting the medication name and dosage ignores the vital component of administration times, which are essential for maintaining effective treatment regimens.