Is it acceptable to administer medication if the pharmacy label and the medication administration record (MAR) do not match?

The correct approach to this situation is to seek clarification from a healthcare professional when there is a discrepancy between the pharmacy label and the medication administration record (MAR). This is essential for ensuring patient safety and the accuracy of medication administration. These documents must match to confirm that the medication being administered is indeed what was intended and prescribed for the patient.

In healthcare practices, discrepancies in documentation can lead to serious medication errors, including incorrect dosages, wrong medications, or inappropriate timing of administration. Seeking clarification helps to ensure that the right medication is given to the patient, as it is crucial to adhere to protocols and maintain safety standards.

The need for verification underscores the importance of communication within healthcare teams and the responsibility of healthcare providers to advocate for best practices. In situations where there is any uncertainty, the priority must always be patient safety, which is why contacting a healthcare professional or a pharmacist is a necessary step before proceeding with medication administration.