Which of the following is the proper way to make a correction to a progress note entry?

Using an edit or addendum in an electronic record is the proper way to make a correction to a progress note entry because it maintains the integrity of the patient’s medical record. When corrections are made through an edit or an addendum, the original information remains intact and is time-stamped, which helps preserve the historical context of the patient’s care. This ensures accuracy and accountability in medical documentation, as it allows for a clear audit trail that shows what was originally entered, when it was corrected, and what the revised information is.

In contrast, methods such as using white-out or a black marker on paper records compromise the authenticity of the documentation. These methods can obscure the original information, making it difficult to reconstruct the patient’s care history and can lead to questions regarding the credibility of the record. Deleting information in an electronic record without proper documentation also runs the risk of losing important data and violating legal and ethical standards in medical record maintenance.