A BCMA system helps prevent which errors?

• A. Wrong patient and wrong drug administration.
• B. Wrong time only.
• C. Expired medication only.
• D. None of the above.

Answer: (D)

Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) works by requiring a scan of the patient’s wristband and the medication package before a drug is given. The system compares the scanned identifiers with the order in the patient’s chart, so you’re alerted if the medication doesn’t match the patient or the prescribed drug. This verification also supports timing by checking the scheduled administration time and can flag expired medications if the inventory data include expiration dates. Because BCMA provides this match-and-verify process, it prevents errors like giving the wrong drug to the wrong patient and helps ensure the medication is given at the correct time, among other safeguards. So, BCMA does prevent those errors, making the idea that none of the above applies inaccurate.