What should a nurse do prior to administering medication?

Before administering medication, a nurse must verify the patient's identity and check for allergies to ensure patient safety and effective care. This step is crucial as it prevents medication errors that could lead to serious adverse reactions or ineffective treatment. Identifying the patient accurately, typically through at least two identifiers (such as name and date of birth), helps confirm that the right medication is given to the right individual. Checking for allergies is equally important to avoid administering a medication that could cause an allergic reaction, which can range from mild to life-threatening.

Other practices listed are not aligned with best practices in medication administration. Preparing medication without verification raises the risk of errors in medication administration. Notifying a physician before administration may not be necessary in all situations, as nurses have the autonomy to administer medications that are part of their scope of practice and on the medication administration record. Skipping the verification process contradicts standard protocols aimed at safeguarding patient health and is a violation of safe nursing practice guidelines.