When preparing IV medication, what should the nurse always check first?

When preparing IV medication, the foremost action a nurse must take is to verify the patient’s identity and the medication order. This step is critical in ensuring patient safety, as it helps to confirm that the correct medication is being administered to the correct patient, according to the proper dosage and frequency specified in the medication order.

This process not only safeguards against medication errors that can arise from similar-sounding drug names or patient misidentification but also reinforces the importance of adhering to the “five rights” of medication administration: the right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. By prioritizing this verification, the nurse is taking the necessary precautions to protect the patient and deliver safe and effective care.

In contrast, elements such as the availability of the medication or the expiration of IV tubing, while important, are secondary to ensuring that the correct patient receives the appropriate drug as per the documented orders. These checks can follow after the critical identification and medication verification process.