What should be included in a handoff regarding safe medication administration?

• A. Rely on memory to convey information.
• B. Skip handoff to save time.
• C. Review MAR, pending meds, allergies, and safety concerns; communicate critical information.
• D. Only discuss emergencies.

Answer: (C)

Delivering safe medication during a handoff hinges on transferring complete, accurate medication information so the next nurse can continue care without gaps. Start with the MAR, the formal record of what was given and what’s due, and review it to confirm dosing accuracy, ensure orders align with what was administered, and catch omissions or changes. Note any pending medications so the schedule isn’t missed or duplicative dosing occurs, and identify allergies to prevent unsafe drug exposures. Highlight safety concerns such as dosing adjustments based on labs or organ function, potential drug interactions, routes or special administration instructions, and any orders on hold or recent changes. Communicate all of this clearly and confirm understanding with the receiving nurse so they can plan and act safely. Relying on memory or skipping handoffs, or focusing only on emergencies, leaves important routine medications and safety checks unaddressed.