North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

When should the medication label and MAR be compared?

1. Only before administering the medication

2. Only after administering the medication

3. Only when selecting the medication from storage

4. All of the above at different times

The correct answer is: All of the above at different times

The comparison of the medication label and the Medication Administration Record (MAR) is an essential step in ensuring medication safety and accuracy throughout the medication administration process. This practice helps to prevent medication errors and ensures that the correct medication is being given to the right patient in the appropriate dosage. Conducting comparisons at different stages is critical: 1. Before administering the medication: This is the first and most crucial step to confirm that the medication matches what is prescribed. Checking the label against the MAR ensures that you have the correct medication for the patient and that it is dispensed in the right form and dosage. 2. After administering the medication: Verifying again can help confirm that the administration was done correctly and that the patient received the proper medication and dosage. This step is essential for documenting the administration accurately on the MAR. 3. When selecting the medication from storage: This step provides an opportunity to double-check that the right medication is being chosen before it is prepared and administered. It prevents pulling the wrong medication from storage due to possible confusion, especially in facilities where multiple medications may look similar. By incorporating these checks at different times, the medication aide can significantly enhance patient safety and reduce the likelihood of errors. Therefore, all of these comparisons at various stages are necessary for