If a hospital armband is used to identify the patient, it must be:

The requirement for a hospital armband to be attached to the patient emphasizes the importance of direct and clear identification. This practice is crucial for ensuring patient safety, as it helps to verify the patient's identity before delivering care, medications, or procedures. An armband worn by the patient serves as a visual cue for healthcare workers, reducing the risk of errors that can arise from misidentification.

Attaching the armband to the patient also ensures that it remains readily accessible and visible, unlike other options that suggest the armband could be placed in different locations. If the armband were only in the patient's room or part of their chart, healthcare staff might need to search for it or rely on second-hand information, which could lead to mistakes. By ensuring the armband is affixed to the patient directly, the healthcare team retains immediate access to critical identification information.