Before giving a newly prescribed medication, which information should the nurse verify?

Before giving a newly prescribed medication, which information should the nurse verify?

• A. Patient identity only
• B. Identity, name, dose, route, and time
• C. Time of day only
• D. Insurance information

Answer: (B)

Safe medication administration relies on verifying several details before giving a newly prescribed medication. Confirming the patient’s identity ensures you are treating the correct person. Verifying the medication’s name confirms you’re using the exact drug that was prescribed. Checking the dose prevents underdosing or overdosing. Confirming the route ensures the medication is delivered the intended way, which affects absorption and action. Verifying the time ensures doses are given according to the prescribed schedule, maintaining therapeutic levels and avoiding missed or double dosing. Insurance information or only the time of day do not address all of these critical elements, so they don’t support safe administration.

Safe medication administration relies on verifying several details before giving a newly prescribed medication. Confirming the patient’s identity ensures you are treating the correct person. Verifying the medication’s name confirms you’re using the exact drug that was prescribed. Checking the dose prevents underdosing or overdosing. Confirming the route ensures the medication is delivered the intended way, which affects absorption and action. Verifying the time ensures doses are given according to the prescribed schedule, maintaining therapeutic levels and avoiding missed or double dosing. Insurance information or only the time of day do not address all of these critical elements, so they don’t support safe administration.