Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

What type of documentation is essential for nurses when administering medications?

1. Patient medical history forms

2. Accurate and timely medication administration records

3. Insurance claim paperwork

4. Patient satisfaction surveys

The correct answer is: Accurate and timely medication administration records

Accurate and timely medication administration records are fundamental for nurses when administering medications because they ensure that there is a detailed and continuous record of all medications given to a patient. This documentation supports patient safety by helping to prevent medication errors, as it allows for clear tracking of what medications have been administered, at what times, and in what dosages. Such records are crucial in ensuring that the right patient receives the right medication at the right time, as per the "five rights" of medication administration. Moreover, these records are essential for communication among healthcare team members, as they provide up-to-date information on a patient's medication management. Accurate documentation can also protect nurses legally by providing evidence of adherence to medication protocols and standards of care. The other choices do not directly pertain to the immediate responsibilities of a nurse in medication administration: while patient medical history is vital for understanding a patient's background, insurance claim paperwork and patient satisfaction surveys are not directly associated with the act of administering medications.