What is the most appropriate way to identify the patient before giving the medication?

the most appropriate way to identify the patient is by ASKING THE PATIENTS NAME (let the patient state his/her name)

1. Steps to correctly identify a patient and their relevant documents

   STEP1 ASK THE PATIENT:

   1. What is your name?2. When were you born? and where applicable 3. Why are you here?

   STEP2 MATCH UP THE ANSWERS GIVEN IN STEP1 WITH ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

   Is the name, DOB and procedure (where relevant) stated by the patient in step1 the same as what is printed on any relevant documents such as the:

   • patients wristband identification (ALWAYS check) • medical record • clinic / procedure list • referral/order letter / sheet

   • medication sheet • label on: medications / blood products / contrast / isotope • previous x-rays / test results