How does the nurse ensure correct patient identification before surgery?

Confirming a patient's identity using two identifiers is a critical step in ensuring safety in the surgical environment. This practice aligns with the Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals, which emphasize the importance of accurately identifying patients to prevent errors such as wrong-site surgeries or administering incorrect medications.

Using two identifiers—such as the patient's name and date of birth or medical record number—helps provide a higher level of certainty that the right person is being treated. This method reduces the risk of misidentification that could occur if only one identifier is used, which may lead to confusion or errors. Relying on multiple pieces of information is especially crucial in a busy hospital setting, where patients may share similar names or other data.

While checking the patient’s medical record and consulting family members may provide additional context or information, they do not serve as the primary means for confirming identity. Ensuring that the correct patient is identified prior to any surgical procedure is pivotal for the overall safety and outcome of the patient.