While preparing to administer medication, the nurse safely verifies the patient's identity by:

Explanation

•Checking the patient's identification band is the safest option because the identification band is placed on the patient's limb during admission and should not be removed. However, it is best practice to make sure they verify their name and date of birth as well (although some patients may not be able).

•When the patient is a minor, asking the parent or legal guardian to identify the patient is acceptable in addition to comparing the ID band with the medical information record.

•Most state regulations make ID bands a requirement for short-term care.

•Nursing homes are not required by law to use ID bands but must have procedures in place for patient identification.

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