Final answer:
The Medication Administration Record (MAR) is an essential document in healthcare that records all the details regarding the medications administered to a patient, including dosages, times, and notes on procedure checks such as labeling of specimens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Medication Administration Record (MAR) includes crucial information imperative for the proper administration of medications to patients. It typically contains the patient's name, detailed medication orders (including drug name, dosage, frequency, and route of administration), the date and time of each medication administered, full documentation of each medication dose given or missed, and the signature of the healthcare professional who administered the medication. In a clinical setting, MARs often include additional checks like ensuring needle, sponge, and instrument counts are complete, as well as confirming that any specimens taken are correctly labeled. They facilitate effective communication among healthcare staff and are critical for patient safety, especially during procedures and treatments, as they help to minimize medication errors.