What is a critical step before administering medication?

Confirming correct medication and dosage is essential before administering medication because it directly impacts patient safety and treatment efficacy. This step ensures that the right medication is being given to the right patient at the right dose and via the correct route of administration. It helps to prevent medication errors, which can lead to adverse effects, ineffective treatment, or potentially severe health consequences.

This procedure typically includes checking the medication label against the medication administration record (MAR), verifying dosages, and considering specific patient factors such as age, weight, and renal function that might affect how much medication should be safely administered.

While verifying insurance, consulting with the pharmacy, and completing intake forms may be relevant to the overall process of patient care and medication management, they do not directly ensure patient safety at the moment of medication administration, making them less critical than confirming the medication and dosage.