When administering medication orally, which of the following practices should the nurse follow to ensure the client's safety?

Verifying the client’s identity using two identifiers is a critical safety practice in medication administration. This step is essential to ensure that the right patient receives the correct medication at the right dose and time. By using two identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of birth or medical record number, nurses can significantly reduce the risk of medication errors, which can potentially result in serious harm to the patient.

This practice aligns with established safety protocols such as those recommended by The Joint Commission and is part of patient safety initiatives that seek to prevent adverse events in healthcare settings. It reinforces the importance of accuracy and accountability in medication administration.

In contrast, administering all medications at once may not allow for proper monitoring of the client’s response to each medication, and allowing immediate fluid intake after medication can interfere with absorption and effectiveness. Lastly, skipping medications that a client refuses bypasses essential protocols for documenting refusal and assessing understanding, which can have implications for care and treatment plans.