What is essential to confirm during order verification?

Confirming that the order is completed, signed, and dated is essential during the order verification process because it ensures that the medication order is valid and legally compliant. A signed and dated order indicates that a qualified healthcare provider has authorized the prescription, which is crucial for patient safety and accountability. This step confirms that the medication can be administered as intended without any legal or administrative issues.

While the availability of medication, updating the patient's chart, and following the administration schedule are important components of medication management, they rely on having a valid order in the first place. Without a completed order, all other processes could be at risk of error or misinterpretation, potentially compromising patient care and safety. Therefore, ensuring the order is properly documented and authorized is a fundamental part of medication administration protocols.