What is the first step in the medication administration process?

The first step in the medication administration process is to verify the provider's order and gather necessary medication information. This ensures the safety and appropriateness of the medication to be given. By confirming the provider's order, the technician ensures that they have the correct medication, dosage, route, and frequency as prescribed. This step is crucial in preventing medication errors and ensuring patient safety.

Gathering necessary information about the medication also involves checking for potential allergies, understanding the medication’s purpose, possible side effects, and contraindications. It helps the technician approach the subsequent steps of medication preparation and administration with confidence and clarity, enhancing the overall care provided to the patient.

While preparing the medication and documenting it afterward are important aspects of the process, they come after the fundamental step of verifying and gathering information, which lays the groundwork for safe and effective medication administration.