What is a nurse's primary role in medication administration?

The primary role of a nurse in medication administration is to ensure the safe and effective delivery of medications. This encompasses a range of responsibilities including verifying the correct medication, dosage, route, and patient identity before administration. Nurses are responsible for monitoring patients for therapeutic effects and potential side effects, as well as educating patients about their medications.

By adhering to established protocols, nurses help prevent medication errors and ensure that patients receive the right treatment in a timely manner, which is crucial for optimal health outcomes. This role is central to patient safety and care, positioning nurses as vital members of the healthcare team when it comes to medication management and patient advocacy.

Other roles mentioned, such as prescribing medications or performing high-risk procedures, fall beyond the scope of nursing responsibilities and are typically reserved for other healthcare professionals, while reviewing insurance coverage does not directly relate to medication administration.