How should a MAR discrepancy be handled?

• A. Investigate, verify, document resolution, and inform the provider if needed
• B. Ignore the discrepancy
• C. Change MAR without verification
• D. Notify the patient

Answer: (A)

Discrepancies in the medication administration record are treated as a safety issue that requires careful verification. When you notice a mismatch, you don’t proceed with the medication. Instead, you first compare the MAR with the patient’s current orders and with the label on the medication, confirming the correct patient, drug, dose, route, and time. If anything doesn’t align, you pause administration and investigate—check the chart, the pharmacy system, and any recent changes, and consult the prescribing clinician or nurse supervisor as needed.

Once you determine the correct information, you document the discrepancy, the steps you took, and the final resolution, and you update the MAR accordingly. If the order appears wrong or unclear, you obtain a corrected order before administering. The provider is informed as part of the safety process to ensure the MAR and the order remain consistent.

Choosing to ignore the discrepancy, change the MAR without verification, or notify the patient first does not support safe practice.