Take The Medication Reconciliation Quiz Questions!

Explanation
Medication reconciliation is important because medication discrepancies frequently occur during transitions in care, such as admission, transfer, and discharge. These discrepancies are common and can lead to adverse events. It has been found that approximately 50% of patients experience at least one discrepancy between their home medications and the medications ordered in the hospital. Furthermore, at least one third of these discrepancies have the potential to cause harm, making it crucial to address and reconcile them.

Explanation
Medication reconciliation is a safety best practice that aims to prevent adverse events caused by medication discrepancies. It involves comparing the medications a patient is taking before admission, during their stay, and at discharge to identify any discrepancies or errors. By ensuring accurate and up-to-date medication information, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of adverse events such as drug interactions, incorrect dosages, or missed medications. Therefore, the statement "Medication reconciliation is a safety best practice designed to minimize the potential for adverse events related to medication discrepancies" is true.

Explanation
Nurses should inquire about vitamins, over-the-counter medications, herbal products, and prescription medications. This is because all of these types of medications can potentially interact with each other or with the patient's condition or treatment plan. Inquiring about these medications allows nurses to ensure patient safety and provide appropriate care.

Explanation
The nurse can collect a "Best Possible Medication History" (BPMH) by interviewing the patient and/or caregiver, listing all the medications the patient is taking at home from their original containers and how they are actually taken, reviewing at least one other reliable source of information (ex. community pharmacy, MOHLTC database, previous health record in Sunnycare), and consulting a pharmacist. These steps ensure that the nurse gathers accurate and comprehensive information about the patient's medication history, which is crucial for medication reconciliation.

Explanation
BPMH is compared to medication orders at transitions in care to identify and resolve discrepancies. COMPARE is the second key step of medication reconciliation.

Explanation
The statement is true. Intended medication changes are documented and communicated as the last key step of medication reconciliation. This step ensures that all healthcare providers involved in a patient's care are aware of any changes made to their medication regimen. Effective communication is crucial in preventing medication errors and ensuring patient safety. By documenting and communicating medication changes, healthcare professionals can collaborate and provide consistent and appropriate care to the patient.

Explanation
The pieces of information listed in the answer are important for patients and their caregivers to review at discharge. Knowing which home medications should be continued, changed, or stopped is crucial for maintaining the patient's health and avoiding any potential adverse effects. Additionally, being aware of any new medications that need to be taken ensures that the patient receives the necessary treatment. Reviewing this information helps to ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to the home setting and promotes patient safety and well-being.