What is the primary responsibility of a registered nurse before administering medication?

The primary responsibility of a registered nurse before administering medication is to confirm the drug against the physician's order. This step is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effectiveness of treatment, as it helps to avoid medication errors related to the wrong drug, dosage, or administration route. By double-checking the physician's order, the nurse verifies that the medication prescribed is appropriate for the patient’s condition, which is essential in a healthcare setting where multiple medications may be involved.

While ensuring the patient's understanding of the medication and calculating vital signs are important aspects of nursing care, they come after confirming the correct medication. Administering the medication as soon as possible is also important, but it should never take precedence over verifying that the right medication is being given. This verification process serves as a foundational safeguard in medication administration, aiming to enhance patient safety and promote positive treatment outcomes.