How can a nurse quickly find the last time a patient received pain medications?

Using the MAR Report in the MAR activity is the most efficient way for a nurse to quickly find the last time a patient received pain medications. The MAR (Medication Administration Record) is specifically designed to track all medications administered to a patient, including pain medications. Accessing the MAR Report allows the nurse to see a consolidated view of medication timing, dosages, and other relevant details in an organized format. This specialized tool is tailored for the purpose of medication administration, making it quicker and more practical for nurses to obtain the information they need without sifting through unrelated data.

In contrast, checking the Work List report may provide a broader overview of various tasks assigned to the nurse, but it does not specifically focus on the medication administration history. Reviewing the entire MAR for the patient could be time-consuming and inefficient, especially if the patient has a long medication history. Searching the Flowsheets activity generally records patient progress and assessments rather than specific medication administration events, so it would not provide the needed information effectively. Hence, the MAR Report is the optimal choice for quickly accessing medication administration details, particularly pain medications, for timely patient care.