A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

The nurse should follow the six rights of medication administration, which include the right client, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation. The first action the nurse should take is to compare the medication label with the MAR to ensure that they match and that the medication has been prescribed for the client.

A) This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should check the client's identification band after comparing the medication label with the MAR and before administering the medication.

B) This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should explain the purpose and side effects of the medication after comparing the medication label with the MAR and before administering the medication.

C) Correct. This is the first action the nurse should take to ensure that the right medication is being given to the right client.

D) This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should assess the client for contraindications and allergies after comparing the medication label with the MAR and before administering the medication.

The nurse should notify the provider and document the interaction in the client's chart when a potential medication interaction is identified. The provider may need to adjust or change one or both of the medications to prevent if from harming the client.

A) Correct. This is the appropriate action for the nurse to take when a potential medication interaction is identified.

B) This is not an appropriate action. The nurse should not hold or alter any prescribed medications without consulting with the provider first.

C) This is not an appropriate action. The nurse should not administer both medications as prescribed without notifying the provider of the potential interaction. This could put the client at risk for adverse effects or reduced efficacy of one or both of the medications.

D) This is not an appropriate action. The nurse should not rely on the client's self-report of problems with taking both medications. The client may not be aware of or recognize all of the possible signs and symptoms of a medication interaction.