Question

What information should be included in medication administration/order records?

1) Patient's full name, patient I.D. number, and any known allergies
2) Patient's full name and patient I.D. number
3) Patient's full name, patient I.D. number, and signalment
4) Patient's full name, patient I.D. number, signalment, and any known allergies

Answer 1

Medication administration records must include the patient's full name, patient I.D. number, signalment, and any known allergies to ensure proper patient care and safety, taking into account specific treatment needs and potential for side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

Medication administration/order records should encompass comprehensive information that ensures the safety and proper care of the patient. The most informative option that includes essential data is option 4: Patient's full name, patient I.D. number, signalment, and any known allergies. Signalment refers to the collective data that characterizes the patient (such as age, sex, race, or species in veterinary medicine), which is vital for identifying the appropriate treatment protocol.

Moreover, other critical elements that should be considered in the medication administration records are the dosage and route of administration. Medication dosage must be calculated carefully, considering factors like the patient's mass, especially in children, and the patient's liver and kidney function, which can affect drug metabolism and clearance, and thus the risk of toxicity and side effects.