How can a nurse best advocate for patient safety during medication administration?

Verifying the patient's identity and allergies before medication administration is essential for patient safety because it ensures that the right patient receives the correct medication while also preventing potential allergic reactions. Accurate identification involves using at least two identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of birth or medical record number, to eliminate the risk of administering medication to the wrong person.

Moreover, checking for allergies allows the nurse to avoid administering any medication that could cause a harmful reaction, thus safeguarding the patient's health. This practice aligns with the "five rights" of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dosage, right route, and right time.

Ensuring these checks are performed fosters a culture of safety and accountability in healthcare, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and minimized risks associated with medication errors.