What is an appropriate measure for a nurse to take when preparing to administer medications to patients?

Checking the medication's expiration date is a critical step in ensuring patient safety before administering medications. Medications that have expired may be ineffective or potentially harmful, as their chemical composition can change over time. Administering expired medication can lead to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes or adverse reactions.

Taking the time to verify the expiration date helps nurses maintain professional standards and adhere to safe medication practices. It is an essential part of medication administration that builds trust with patients and promotes overall safety in the healthcare environment.

In contrast, skipping the verification of patient identification compromises patient safety and increases the risk of medication errors. Confirming the medication with the patient is important but should not replace thorough checks of the medication itself. Rushing to administer medication as soon as it is prepared can lead to mistakes, preventing thorough checks that ensure everything is correct before administration. Thus, checking the expiration date stands out as a fundamental step in medication safety.