Which rule states that transcription must be error-free?

• A. Must be error free
• B. Must be legible only
• C. Can be approximate
• D. Must be signed by nurse only

Answer: (A)

Accuracy in transcription is essential in patient care because the written record guides every action—medication administration, dosing, routes, and timing. If transcription contains any error, a patient could receive the wrong drug, dose, or instructions, which can cause harm. So the rule is that transcription must be error-free. Being legible helps, but readability alone doesn’t prevent mistakes if the information itself is incorrect. The idea of transcribing approximately isn’t safe, and who signs the document is a separate procedural detail, not the rule about accuracy. The correct approach is to ensure every transcription is exact and verified before it’s used.