Which nursing intervention is essential before administering a drug?

• A. Review the patient’s lab work prior to the administration
• B. Administer medication as soon as it appears on MAR
• C. Skip verifying identity to save time
• D. Ask the patient’s permission after administration

Answer: (A)

Before giving a drug, the nurse must assess safety by reviewing the patient’s lab work. Lab values reveal how a patient might metabolize or excrete a medication, and they show conditions or abnormalities that could increase risk or require dose adjustments. For example, kidney or liver function tests help determine whether a drug can be safely dosed, and electrolyte or coagulation studies can reveal contraindications or the need for monitoring. This pre-administration check helps prevent toxicity, adverse interactions, and harm.

Skipping identity verification and administering a medication simply because it appears on the MAR bypasses essential safety steps and can lead to giving the wrong drug, dose, or patient. Asking for the patient’s permission after administration ignores patient autonomy and the need for informed consent and education before a drug is taken.