Which identifiers are typically used in a newborn's medical record?

• A. First and last name, medical record number, and date of birth
• B. First and last name
• C. Medical record number
• D. Date of birth

Answer: (A)

Accurate patient identification relies on using more than one identifying attribute to confirm the correct person. For a newborn, linking the chart to the infant typically uses a combination of the first and last name, the hospital medical record number, and the date of birth. The medical record number is unique to that baby; the date of birth helps distinguish infants who might share a last name or who are twins; and the name provides a clear human identifier. Using all three together reduces the risk of errors during medication administration, labeling, and procedures. Relying on any single identifier, such as only the name, only the MRN, or only the date of birth, could lead to mixing up records or providing care to the wrong infant.