What should a medication aide do before administering a newly prescribed medication?

Before administering a newly prescribed medication, the medication aide should review the patient’s allergies and current medications. This practice is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps to ensure patient safety by identifying any potential allergic reactions to the new medication that the patient may have. If a patient has a known allergy to a certain medication or its components, administering it can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening consequences.

Additionally, reviewing the current medications the patient is taking helps in assessing for any possible drug interactions. Certain medications can interact negatively with others, leading to ineffective treatment or harmful side effects. By being aware of what the patient is currently prescribed, the medication aide can help minimize these risks and ensure a safe medication administration process.

Considering both the patient's allergies and current medications establishes a comprehensive understanding of the patient's overall medication regimen, ultimately supporting effective and safe treatment. It is essential for any healthcare provider administering medications to be thorough in this review process.