What is the first step when preparing to administer medication?

The first step when preparing to administer medication is verifying the physician's order. This step is crucial because it ensures that the nurse has the correct medication, the right dosage, and the appropriate route of administration tailored to the specific needs of the patient. It protects patient safety by confirming that the order is accurate and has been properly authorized by a healthcare provider.

Verifying the physician's order involves assessing the written instructions and ensuring that there are no discrepancies or potential errors, such as allergies or contraindications that may not have been previously noted. This step is fundamental to medication administration protocols and is mandated by nursing standards to maintain patient safety and legal compliance.

While gathering medication supplies, preparing the patient’s room, and checking medication expiration dates are important steps that follow, they presuppose that the correct medication has already been properly verified from a reliable source. By prioritizing the verification of the physician's order, nurses can effectively mitigate the risk of medication errors.