What is the primary purpose of medication administration records?

The primary purpose of medication administration records (MAR) is to document medication history and compliance. These records serve as an essential tool in a healthcare setting, ensuring that all medications administered to a patient are accurately tracked. By maintaining a comprehensive record of medications, healthcare professionals can monitor patient adherence to prescribed treatments, verify dosages, and avoid potential medication errors. This documentation also plays a crucial role in maintaining continuity of care, as it provides vital information to all members of the healthcare team about what medications have been given and when.

In contrast, listing medication prices does not align with the clinical purpose of MAR. Tracking patient demographics is relevant for overall patient records but is not the focus of MARs. Recording pharmacy inventory is a distinct administrative responsibility that does not pertain to individual patient medication administration records. Hence, the emphasis of the MAR is on documenting medication history and ensuring compliance with medication protocols—critical for patient safety and effective healthcare delivery.