What is typically the first step in medication administration?

Verifying the patient's identity is a critical first step in the medication administration process. This step is essential to ensure that the correct medication is given to the right patient. By confirming the patient's identity, healthcare professionals reduce the risk of medication errors, which can lead to serious adverse events. This verification often involves checking the patient's name and date of birth against the medication orders or using identification wristbands in a hospital setting.

This systematic approach is crucial because it sets the foundation for safe and effective medication delivery. Once the patient's identity has been confirmed, the healthcare professional can proceed with other steps in the medication administration process, such as providing counseling, administering the medication, and then documenting the administration. Each subsequent step relies on the accuracy of this initial verification to maintain patient safety and care quality.