Question

A standardized process of comparing the medication and dosage list in the medical record with the current medications and dosages being used by a patient and querying the patient and documenting any changes to medications is known as __________.

a) Medication list
b) Problem list
c) Medication reconciliation
d) Medication divergence

Answer 1

The process of comparing a patient's medication and dosage list in the medical record with the medications currently being taken is known as medication reconciliation. It aims to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety during transitions of care by identifying discrepancies and making necessary adjustments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The standardized process referred to in the question is known as medication reconciliation. This important procedure is designed to ensure that there are no discrepancies between the medications and dosages that a patient is currently taking and what is documented in their medical record. During medication reconciliation, healthcare providers review the patient's medication orders and compare them with the medications the patient is actually taking, which may include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and other supplements.

This process helps to identify and rectify any errors or differences, such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or drug interactions. Medication reconciliation should be performed at every transition of care in which new medications are ordered or existing orders are rewritten - transitions such as hospital admission, transfer between healthcare settings, and discharge. It's a crucial step in patient care to prevent medication errors and adverse drug events. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is c) Medication reconciliation.