In the patient interaction sequence, what is step two?

The second step in the patient interaction sequence focuses on verifying patient identity. This is crucial for ensuring that the right care is delivered to the right individual, reducing the risk of errors that can arise from patient misidentification. By confirming two patient identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of birth, healthcare professionals can establish a clear and accurate link to the individual they are treating. This protocol enhances patient safety and contributes to the overall quality of care.

The other options, while important aspects of patient interaction and care, do not represent the second step in the sequence. Conducting a health assessment and reviewing medication history typically comes after confirming the patient's identity, as these actions depend on knowing exactly who the patient is. Providing educational material is usually part of the discharge process or ongoing patient care and occurs later in the interaction after specific medical information and history have been established. Therefore, the verification of patient identifiers serves as a foundational step that precedes other interactions.