Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

What is typically involved in the process of medication reconciliation?

1. Changing all medications a patient is taking

2. Reviewing and verifying all medications listed on a patient's record

3. Only listing new medications prescribed during hospitalization

4. Removing unnecessary medications from a patient's regimen

The correct answer is: Reviewing and verifying all medications listed on a patient's record

Medication reconciliation is an essential practice in healthcare aimed at ensuring that patients' medication lists are accurate and comprehensive throughout their care transitions, such as when they are admitted to a hospital or discharged. The process of reviewing and verifying all medications listed on a patient's record involves a detailed comparison of the patient's current medication regimen against previous records, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements. This step is crucial to identify discrepancies, such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or potential drug interactions, and to confirm the ongoing relevance and safety of each medication. This thorough review helps to prevent medication errors and adverse drug events, which can result from changes in therapy or information lost during transitions between various healthcare settings. By systematically updating and verifying the list of medications, healthcare providers can optimize treatment plans and ensure continuity of care for the patient. In contrast, the other options, such as changing all medications or focusing only on new medications during hospitalization, do not encompass the full scope of the medication reconciliation process, which requires a comprehensive understanding of both existing and newly prescribed medications for patient safety and effective management.