Question

To make sure the correct service or treatment is delivered to the correct individual, what is an acceptable patient identifier in a health care setting?

A) Patient's phone number
B) Patient's initials
C) Patient's illness or condition
D) Patient's age and sex

Answer 1

In a healthcare setting, an acceptable patient identifier is the patient's name, which helps ensure accurate service or treatment delivery and assess the patient's orientation and communication abilities. The correct answer is option D .

Step-by-step explanation:

In a healthcare setting, an acceptable patient identifier is the patient's name, which is essential for ensuring accurate service or treatment delivery. When healthcare providers ask patients to state their name, they are not only verifying the correct file folder but also assessing the patient's orientation and ability to communicate. For example, if a patient responds with an incorrect or fictitious name like 'Santa Claus,' it may indicate a problem with their understanding of reality. Similarly, if the patient does not respond or shows confusion, it may suggest difficulties with speech production or comprehension. Evaluating Patient Awareness and Communication

Asking a patient to state their name serves multiple purposes. It confirms the patient's identity, ensures that the healthcare provider has the correct patient file, and is a basic assessment of the patient's consciousness, orientation, and ability to communicate. For example, if a patient responds with a nonsensical name or appears confused, this might indicate a cognitive or communicative difficulty that requires further evaluation.

Conclusion

The question "What is your name?" addressed to a patient helps healthcare providers validate the identity and well-being of individuals in their care. This demonstrates the importance of effective communication and patient identification in providing safe and appropriate healthcare services.