If there is a discrepancy in patient identification on the ward, what action should be taken?

If there is a discrepancy in patient identification on the ward, what action should be taken?

• A. Do not transport to OR and inform OR personnel
• B. Call security
• C. Transport to OR as planned
• D. Notify the nurse supervisor

Answer: (A)

Patient identification and verification before any operation is essential for safety. When there is a mismatch or ambiguity, the immediate priority is to pause and verify rather than move forward. The best action is to not transport the patient to the operating room and to inform the operating room team so they can re-identify the patient, cross-check the chart, consent, and site markings, and perform a time-out with the surgeon, anesthesia, and nursing staff. This process confirms you have the right patient, right procedure, and right site before proceeding. While notifying the nurse supervisor can help with escalation and coordination, it does not by itself resolve the identification issue. Transport to the OR should resume only after identity has been confirmed.

Patient identification and verification before any operation is essential for safety. When there is a mismatch or ambiguity, the immediate priority is to pause and verify rather than move forward. The best action is to not transport the patient to the operating room and to inform the operating room team so they can re-identify the patient, cross-check the chart, consent, and site markings, and perform a time-out with the surgeon, anesthesia, and nursing staff. This process confirms you have the right patient, right procedure, and right site before proceeding. While notifying the nurse supervisor can help with escalation and coordination, it does not by itself resolve the identification issue. Transport to the OR should resume only after identity has been confirmed.