Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

What is the main goal of medication reconciliation?

1. To reduce the cost of medications

2. To ensure accurate and complete medication lists during care transitions

3. To promote over-the-counter medications

4. To notify patients about new medications

The correct answer is: To ensure accurate and complete medication lists during care transitions

The main goal of medication reconciliation is to ensure accurate and complete medication lists during care transitions. This process is essential in health care settings where patients frequently move between different levels of care, such as from hospital to home or from one hospital to another. By thoroughly reviewing and verifying the medications that a patient is taking, health care providers can prevent discrepancies that might lead to medication errors, adverse drug events, or negative patient outcomes. Accurate medication lists are crucial for maintaining continuity of care. They help clinicians understand what medications a patient was prescribed previously, what they were taking at home, and what adjustments may be necessary based on their current health status. This thorough approach reduces the chance of potential drug interactions, duplications, or omissions, which can harm patients. While other options may touch on medication management aspects, they do not capture the comprehensive and critical nature of medication reconciliation as effectively as ensuring accurate and complete medication lists during transitions of care. This process ultimately aims to enhance patient safety and improve overall health outcomes.