What should be verified before administering controlled substances?

When administering controlled substances, it is crucial to verify the quantity of controlled substances to ensure that the correct amount is given to the patient. This is particularly important because controlled substances are often susceptible to misuse and abuse. Ensuring the correct quantity helps to prevent overdoses or underdoses, which can have serious health implications for the patient.

Verifying the quantity ensures that what is being administered matches what was prescribed. This careful check also supports safe practice and compliance with regulations surrounding the handling and distribution of controlled substances. Therefore, confirming the right quantity not only promotes patient safety but also upholds legal and ethical standards in medication administration.

Other important aspects like patient identity, dosage instructions, and medication expiration dates are also critical in ensuring safe medication administration, but the verification of quantity is specifically vital in the context of controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and the strict regulations governing their use.