Which statement about medication reconciliation is true?

Which statement about medication reconciliation is true?

• A. It is optional and can be skipped if the patient is stable.
• B. It only occurs at discharge.
• C. It should be performed by the nurse without physician input.
• D. It is the process of comparing current medications with new orders, updating the list, and resolving discrepancies to prevent interactions.

Answer: (D)

Medication reconciliation is the careful process of making sure a patient’s medication information is accurate and complete across all transitions of care. It involves comparing what the patient is currently taking with new orders, updating the master medication list, and resolving any discrepancies so that potential drug interactions, duplications, omissions, or dosing errors are prevented. This isn’t a one-time or optional step; it’s essential whenever a patient is admitted, transferred, or discharged, and it typically involves collaboration among pharmacists, physicians, and nurses to verify accuracy, include over-the-counter medicines and supplements, and communicate any changes clearly. By aligning the actual medicines with the intended orders, the goal is to maintain safety and continuity of therapy.

Medication reconciliation is the careful process of making sure a patient’s medication information is accurate and complete across all transitions of care. It involves comparing what the patient is currently taking with new orders, updating the master medication list, and resolving any discrepancies so that potential drug interactions, duplications, omissions, or dosing errors are prevented. This isn’t a one-time or optional step; it’s essential whenever a patient is admitted, transferred, or discharged, and it typically involves collaboration among pharmacists, physicians, and nurses to verify accuracy, include over-the-counter medicines and supplements, and communicate any changes clearly. By aligning the actual medicines with the intended orders, the goal is to maintain safety and continuity of therapy.