Which identification method should a nurse use to verify a client before medication administration?

The most reliable method for verifying a client's identity before medication administration is to ask for the client's full name and date of birth. This approach involves two distinct identifiers, which helps to ensure accuracy and safety in medication administration. Using both the name and date of birth minimizes the risk of confusion that might arise from similar-sounding names or multiple patients with the same name. It is a widely accepted practice in healthcare settings to adhere to the "two identifiers" rule, thereby enhancing patient safety and reducing the likelihood of medication errors.

While using a wristband identifier is a valid practice, it can sometimes be missing or incorrectly placed, and it does not include the confirmation for the date of birth, which adds an additional layer of verification. Therefore, relying solely on either the wristband or just the full name does not provide the same level of comprehensive verification as combining both the full name and date of birth does. Checking the medical chart may offer some information regarding the patient’s identity but does not actively engage the patient in the verification process, which is crucial for ensuring the correct administration of medications.