What is required before a medication can be administered to a patient?

Before a medication can be administered to a patient, it is essential to have a prescription from a provider. This prescription serves as a formal authorization from a licensed healthcare professional, typically a physician or nurse practitioner, indicating the specific medication, dosage, route of administration, and duration of treatment. This process ensures that the medication is appropriate for the patient’s condition, minimizes the risk of medication errors, and adheres to legal and safety guidelines.

Having a prescription is also crucial for maintaining accountability and providing a clear record of what medications are prescribed, which is important for ongoing patient care and monitoring. While verbal agreements, nurse approvals, and pharmacist confirmations can play roles in the medication administration process, they do not substitute for the formal authorization provided by a prescription from a provider.