NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Which is an appropriate form of identification in an inpatient setting?

1. Verbal and wrist band

2. Driver's license and insurance card

3. Social security number and medical history

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Verbal and wrist band

In an inpatient setting, the most appropriate forms of identification are verbal confirmation and a wristband. A wristband often contains crucial information such as the patient's name, date of birth, and a unique identification number, which helps to quickly and accurately identify the patient. Verbal confirmation acts as an additional step to ensure that the healthcare provider is addressing the correct person before performing any procedures, thus minimizing the risk of error. While other options like a driver's license or insurance card can provide identification, they are less reliable in a hospital context due to the possibility of patients being unable to provide these documents immediately or if they are incapacitated. Additionally, a social security number and medical history are not ideal as identifiers due to privacy concerns and the potential for mistakes when confirming identity based on these factors. Therefore, the combination of verbal and wristband checks is the most widely recognized and effective standard for patient identification in healthcare settings.