Before administering a medication, what should a nurse assess?

Before administering medication, a nurse should assess the patient's overall health, allergies, and current medications to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. This assessment is vital for various reasons.

First, understanding the patient's overall health allows the nurse to identify any potential risk factors that could affect how the patient responds to the medication, such as pre-existing conditions or comorbidities.

Second, checking for allergies is essential since administering a drug that a patient is allergic to could lead to severe or life-threatening reactions.

Lastly, reviewing current medications helps prevent drug interactions that could compromise the effectiveness of treatment or lead to harmful side effects. This holistic approach to patient assessment is fundamental in nursing care as it ensures that medications are administered safely and effectively, ultimately fostering better health outcomes for the patient.