Medication administration record (MAR)

Definition

A Medication Administration Record (MAR) is a legal document in which healthcare providers record the administration of medications to patients. It serves as a comprehensive log to ensure accurate and safe medication practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The MAR includes details such as drug name, dosage, route of administration, and time given.
2. Errors in the MAR can lead to serious patient safety issues and legal consequences.
3. Nurses are primarily responsible for updating the MAR immediately after administering medication.
4. The MAR helps in tracking adherence to medication schedules and identifying missed doses.
5. Electronic MARs (eMARs) are increasingly used to reduce errors associated with manual documentation.

Review Questions

• What critical information is recorded in a Medication Administration Record?
• Why is it important for nurses to update the MAR immediately after administering medication?
• How does an electronic MAR (eMAR) improve patient safety compared to a manual MAR?

Related terms

Medication Error: An event that leads to inappropriate medication use or patient harm.

Patient Safety: The prevention of errors and adverse effects associated with healthcare.

Dosage Calculation: The process of determining the correct amount of medication based on various factors like patient's age, weight, and condition.