What should you do if the medication container label does not match the order on the MAR?

When the medication container label does not match the order listed on the Medication Administration Record (MAR), it is essential to notify the supervisor or pharmacist. This action serves to ensure patient safety and proper medication management. Discrepancies between the label and the MAR can indicate potential medication errors, such as receiving the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or other critical issues that could impact the patient’s health.

By bringing this issue to the attention of a supervisor or pharmacist, you initiate a verification process that helps clarify the situation and prevents the possibility of administering medication that could cause harm. This collaborative approach is crucial in healthcare settings, as it reinforces protocols designed to maintain safety and accuracy in medication administration.

The other responses, while they may seem viable at a glance, do not provide the necessary steps to address the potential risks associated with medication discrepancies effectively. Ensuring communication and verification with the appropriate authority is the best practice in this scenario.