During medication reconciliation, what should the nurse specifically ask the patient?

When conducting medication reconciliation, it is essential for the nurse to gather a complete and accurate list of all medications the patient is taking, which includes both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This step is critical because OTC medications can interact with prescribed medications, leading to potential adverse effects or therapeutic failures. Identifying all substances that the patient is using ensures that the healthcare team has a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s medication regimen and can provide safe and effective care.

While asking about medication allergies, previous surgeries, and recent lab work are important elements of the patient’s medical history, they do not directly contribute to understanding the current medications the patient is taking, which is the primary goal during medication reconciliation. Therefore, in the context of ensuring safe medication management and preventing drug interactions, querying about OTC medications stands out as the most relevant and critical question.