Which of the following is necessary for documenting medications administered in the event of a barcode scanner failure?

Documenting medications administered in the event of a barcode scanner failure is critical for maintaining accurate patient records and ensuring patient safety. In this scenario, manually documenting the administration in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) serves several important purposes.

Firstly, it provides an immediate and verifiable record of what medication was given, to whom, and at what time. This is essential for continuity of care, as other healthcare providers need to know exactly what has been administered to avoid medication errors or duplications.

Secondly, manual documentation in the MAR allows for compliance with legal and institutional policies regarding medication administration. In many healthcare settings, all medications must be documented in real-time to ensure accountability and traceability.

The other options presented may not provide the same level of security or completeness. Writing down the patient ID and medication name is insufficient without a proper record of administration in the MAR, as it could be prone to errors or lost information. Calling the pharmacy for verification does not directly address the immediate need for documentation and can lead to delays in care. Skipping the dose until the scanner is repaired is not viable, as timely medication administration is essential for patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Thus, documenting manually the administration in the MAR is the necessary action to ensure accurate and reliable patient care