When a medication reconciliation identifies an omission or a duplicate, what is the correct course of action?

When a medication reconciliation identifies an omission or a duplicate, what is the correct course of action?

• A. Ignore and proceed.
• B. Document without action.
• C. Notify the nurse or prescriber and update the MAR.
• D. Remove all meds from MAR.

Answer: (C)

When you find an omission or a duplicate during medication reconciliation, patient safety hinges on timely correction and clear documentation. The best course is to notify the nurse or prescriber and update the MAR to reflect the reconciled, accurate med list. This ensures the clinician reviews and approves the change, and the MAR shows the current, intended medications, preventing missed doses or double dosing. After you communicate the discrepancy, document what was found, who was notified, what action was taken, and the time. Make sure the updated MAR matches the approved plan and that changes are implemented across all records so future administrations are correct. Ignoring the discrepancy or simply documenting without acting leaves the patient at risk, and removing all meds from the MAR wipes out the record and creates further confusion. The collaborative check-and-update approach keeps the medication regimen safe and traceable.

When you find an omission or a duplicate during medication reconciliation, patient safety hinges on timely correction and clear documentation. The best course is to notify the nurse or prescriber and update the MAR to reflect the reconciled, accurate med list. This ensures the clinician reviews and approves the change, and the MAR shows the current, intended medications, preventing missed doses or double dosing.

After you communicate the discrepancy, document what was found, who was notified, what action was taken, and the time. Make sure the updated MAR matches the approved plan and that changes are implemented across all records so future administrations are correct.

Ignoring the discrepancy or simply documenting without acting leaves the patient at risk, and removing all meds from the MAR wipes out the record and creates further confusion. The collaborative check-and-update approach keeps the medication regimen safe and traceable.