To verify the accuracy of the medication administration record (MAR), which action is most effective?

The most effective action to verify the accuracy of the medication administration record (MAR) is to compare the MAR with the physician's order. This step ensures that the medications being administered are consistent with the orders written by the physician, reflecting the patient's current treatment plan. By directly referencing the physician's orders, healthcare providers can confirm that dosages, schedules, and specific medications are correctly documented and followed. This comparison is essential for maintaining patient safety and ensuring that treatments are delivered as intended.

While other options may provide some level of verification, they do not directly link the current medication administration to the official physician orders that govern treatment decisions. Cross-checking with the pharmacy or asking a colleague can provide additional perspectives, but those methods do not guarantee alignment with the specific orders for the patient in question. Reconciling with past MARs might assist in identifying trends, but it does not confirm the accuracy of the current orders being followed. Thus, comparing the MAR with the physician's order stands out as the most reliable method for verification.