North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

If a prescriber changes an order but the MAR remains unchanged, what is the implication?

1. The patient may receive incorrect medication

2. It does not affect medication administration

3. It ensures consistency in medication management

4. The new order is considered void

The correct answer is: The patient may receive incorrect medication

When a prescriber changes an order but the Medication Administration Record (MAR) remains unchanged, the implication is that the patient may receive incorrect medication. This is because the MAR serves as the official record that healthcare providers consult to administer medication accurately. If the MAR has not been updated to reflect the new order, caregivers may perceive the previous order as still valid when administering medication, potentially leading to the patient receiving medication that is no longer appropriate or intended by the prescriber. Inadequate communication or failure to update the MAR can result in serious medication errors, highlighting the importance of maintaining accurate and timely records in medication management. Ensuring that all documentation reflects the latest orders is crucial in preventing such risks to patient safety.