How should you identify a resident before starting care?

• A. Ask the resident to confirm their name only.
• B. Check the room number alone.
• C. Rely on prior paperwork without verification.
• D. Verify two identifiers (name and date of birth or room/ID) according to facility policy.

Answer: (D)

Two identifiers are needed to confirm a resident’s identity before providing care. This safety check helps ensure the right person receives the correct care, medications, and procedures. The best approach is to verify two identifiers, such as the resident’s name paired with date of birth or with room number/ID, and to follow the facility’s policy for this process. Relying on a single piece of information—asking for the name only, checking only the room number, or depending on prior paperwork without verification—can lead to misidentification if any item is incorrect or outdated. By consistently confirming two identifiers, you reduce errors and protect the resident’s safety.