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What should you do if you realize that you have entered the wrong name for a medication in a patient's chart?
Draw a single line through the entry, initial it, and enter the correct name
Erase the error and enter the correct information immediately
Use white-out to correct the error and enter the correct information
Report the mistake to the administration of the hospital
The correct answer is: Draw a single line through the entry, initial it, and enter the correct name
Drawing a single line through the entry, initialing it, and entering the correct name adheres to best practices in medical documentation. This method maintains a clear record of the error, allows for transparency, and demonstrates accountability. It preserves the integrity of the medical record by not obscuring the original entry, which is essential in healthcare for tracking patient safety and for legal reasons. By using this approach, anyone reviewing the chart can see what the original entry was, understand that it was a mistake, and easily access the corrected information. Contrast this with erasing the error or using white-out, both of which can obscure the original information and potentially lead to confusion or errors in patient care. Reporting the mistake to hospital administration is important for systemic issues but does not resolve the immediate need for an accurate medical record in that instance. Thus, the correct method supports clarity and accuracy in patient documentation.