What is a best practice for documenting medication after administration?

Including the lot number and expiration date for vaccines is a best practice for documenting medication after administration because it ensures accountability and traceability. Recording this information allows for quick identification in the event of a vaccine recall or if any adverse reactions occur that may be linked to a specific batch of vaccines. It enhances patient safety and supports compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring that vaccination records are complete and accurate.

In contrast, assigning a specific patient's room number may not provide comprehensive information relevant to medication administration documentation. Leaving out personal notes can omit valuable context about the patient's condition or the administration process, which may be important for ongoing care. Documenting verbally only is not acceptable as it lacks a reliable and permanent record that can be referenced later, which is critical for patient safety and legal purposes.