Which action is most accurate for ensuring proper identification and safety before discontinuing an IV infusion?

• A. Use two identifiers
• B. Rely on room number only
• C. Ask the family to identify the patient
• D. Check the IV bag label only

Answer: (A)

Verifying the patient’s identity with two identifiers is essential before stopping an IV infusion because it directly protects the patient from errors that could occur if care is given to the wrong person. By pairing two independent identifiers—such as the patient’s full name and date of birth and cross-checking them against the wristband and the chart—you confirm you are treating the correct patient and discontinuing the correct infusion. Relying on room number alone isn’t reliable since room assignments can change or be mixed up, and a family member’s identification isn’t a substitute for checking the patient’s own records. Checking only the IV bag label can miss mismatches or labeling errors, so it doesn’t ensure the infusion belongs to the patient you’re treating. Using two identifiers provides a simple, robust safeguard to prevent mismatches and safeguard patient safety.