When must documentation on the MAR occur?

Documentation on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) must occur whenever there is a significant event related to medication—this includes administering the medication, missing a dose, or when a medication is refused. Each event is crucial for different reasons.

When medication is administered, documenting this action ensures that there is a record of what was given, how much was given, and when it was given. This helps maintain accurate patient records and allows for proper monitoring of the patient's response to the medication.

If a medication is missed, it is essential to document this to alert the healthcare team that an important dose was not administered. This documentation can help in assessing any potential impacts on the patient's treatment and determining whether to administer the missed dose or take additional actions.

When a medication is refused, documentation is also necessary for understanding patient compliance, assessing the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment plan, and informing future medication management considerations.

By requiring documentation for all these scenarios, it promotes enhanced patient safety, effective communication among healthcare providers, and comprehensive medical records. Thus, all events leading to changes in the administration of medication must be noted on the MAR.