How is a medication's due status tracked in the MAR system?

A medication's due status is tracked in the MAR (Medication Administration Record) system primarily through a color-coded system. This system uses visual cues, such as different colors, to represent the status of each medication—indicating whether it is due, overdue, or has been administered. This allows healthcare providers to quickly and easily assess medication schedules, minimizing the risk of errors and enhancing patient safety. The use of color coding also helps ensure that all staff members can consistently interpret the status of medications at a glance, facilitating effective communication and timely administration.

In contrast, the other options are less effective for tracking medication due status. Manual logs can be prone to human error and may not provide real-time updates. Relying solely on patient complaints does not establish a proactive approach to medication management, as it puts the responsibility on the patient to report issues. Categorizing medications by class may assist in organization but does not directly indicate individual medication due status on a real-time basis.