What must nurses verify before administering medication to a patient?

Before administering medication to a patient, nurses must verify the five rights of medication administration: the right patient, the right medication, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. This systematic approach is critical in ensuring patient safety and minimizing the risk of medication errors.

The five rights serve as a fundamental guideline for nurses to follow. By confirming these elements, nurses ensure that they are administering the correct medication to the intended patient in the proper dosage and through the appropriate method at the exact time prescribed. This process also reinforces accountability in the healthcare setting and helps to build a culture of safety within nursing practice.

While other factors mentioned, such as the patient's age and medical history, the dosage calculated by the pharmacist, and the availability of medication in stock, are important considerations in medication administration, they do not replace the necessity of verifying the five rights. Ensuring adherence to these five rights is essential and takes precedence to prevent adverse drug events and enhance overall quality of care.