When should the MAR be updated?

The correct answer highlights that the Medication Administration Record (MAR) should be updated whenever there is a change to the prescription. This ensures that the medication records reflect the most current information regarding a client’s medications, which is crucial for safe administration. When a prescription changes—be it a dosage adjustment, a different medication, or a new medication being prescribed—updating the MAR accordingly prevents the risk of administering incorrect dosages or medications that are no longer approved. This proactive approach to maintaining accurate records reinforces the health and safety protocols necessary in direct support professional practice.

Other options do not point to the critical need for up-to-date information tied directly to changes in prescriptions. For instance, updating merely when a new DSP comes on duty may not address the specific medication changes that could have occurred before their shift. Following directions on the medication label is important, but it does not cover broader scenarios where prescriptions might have changed. Moreover, updating the MAR at least an hour before administering medication lacks relevance since updates should occur as changes in prescriptions happen, not just in anticipation of a medication event. This reflects a misunderstanding of the importance of accuracy and timeliness in maintaining medication records.