Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of using barcode scanners in hospitals?

1. To save time

2. To save money

3. To provide data

4. To reduce errors

The correct answer is: To reduce errors

The primary purpose of using barcode scanners in hospitals is to reduce errors. Barcode scanning technology significantly enhances patient safety by ensuring accurate medication administration, verifying patient identities, and tracking medical supplies. By automating these processes, barcode scanners minimize the potential for human error, such as misidentification of patients or medications, which can lead to adverse events. This system provides an additional layer of verification that fosters a safer healthcare environment, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care rather than manual checks. The efficiency gained in this process indirectly supports other functions, such as saving time and ensuring accurate data collection, but the foremost intent is to enhance accuracy and safety in patient care.