How do you properly identify a patient before administering medication?

Using at least two identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of birth, is crucial in correctly identifying a patient before administering medication. This practice reduces the risk of medication errors and ensures that the right patient receives the right medication at the right time. The utilization of two identifiers aligns with established safety protocols, such as those recommended by the Joint Commission and other healthcare regulatory bodies. By confirming both the name and date of birth, healthcare providers can cross-check their information against medication orders and electronic health records, thus enhancing patient safety.

While examining the wristband is an important part of patient identification, relying solely on it does not meet the standard of using two identifiers. Other options, like asking a nurse manager or checking the patient's room number, are not direct means of confirming a patient's identity and can lead to errors if the information is inaccurate or outdated. Therefore, the approach of using multiple identifiers is the most effective strategy for ensuring safety during medication administration.