What document should be reviewed before medication administration?

The medication administration record (MAR) is the key document that should be reviewed before administering medication to a patient. The MAR provides critical information, including the specific medications prescribed, dosages, administration times, and routes of administration. Reviewing the MAR ensures that the medication being given is accurate, aligns with the medical orders, and meets the patient's current health needs.

In addition, the MAR helps prevent medication errors by confirming that the right patient is receiving the right medication at the right time, which is fundamental in medication administration practices. It acts as a reliable reference point for the Medication Aide to cross-check the medications and their schedules, ensuring patient safety and effective treatment.

Other documents, while perhaps relevant in certain scenarios, do not provide the specific and immediate information needed for administering medications, which is why the MAR is the essential choice.