North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a reason for medication errors?

1. Lack of training

2. Checking the medication label with the MAR

3. Distractions during medication administration

4. Inadequate communication with the healthcare team

The correct answer is: Checking the medication label with the MAR

The answer indicating that checking the medication label with the Medication Administration Record (MAR) is not a reason for medication errors is correct because this practice is a crucial safety step in the medication administration process. Properly checking the label against the MAR helps ensure that the right patient receives the right medication, at the right dose, and through the right route. This verification process is essential for preventing potential errors. On the other hand, lack of training, distractions during medication administration, and inadequate communication with the healthcare team are all significant factors that can contribute to medication errors. Insufficient training may lead to a lack of understanding of proper medication handling, while distractions can cause a caregiver to lose focus and make mistakes. Inadequate communication can result in misunderstandings about medication orders, leading to incorrect administration. Therefore, the act of checking the medication label with the MAR stands out as a proactive measure to avoid errors, highlighting its importance in safe medication practices.