What do you reverify before administering a medication?

What do you reverify before administering a medication?

• A. Date of issue
• B. Lot number
• C. Manufacturer
• D. Name, DOB, and allergy to medications or latex

Answer: (D)

Before administering a medication, you reverify the patient’s identity and their allergy information. This means confirming the patient's name and date of birth and checking for any allergies to medications or latex. This step protects against giving the wrong drug to the wrong person and helps prevent serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. If the chart shows a known medication allergy or latex allergy, that information guides the selection of the appropriate drug, formulation, and even the equipment used (such as latex-free supplies). Details like the date of issue, the lot number, or the manufacturer are important for inventory, traceability, and recalls, but they don’t impact the immediate safety of the patient at the bedside.

Before administering a medication, you reverify the patient’s identity and their allergy information. This means confirming the patient's name and date of birth and checking for any allergies to medications or latex. This step protects against giving the wrong drug to the wrong person and helps prevent serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. If the chart shows a known medication allergy or latex allergy, that information guides the selection of the appropriate drug, formulation, and even the equipment used (such as latex-free supplies).

Details like the date of issue, the lot number, or the manufacturer are important for inventory, traceability, and recalls, but they don’t impact the immediate safety of the patient at the bedside.