What is a nurse's responsibility regarding medication administration?

A nurse's responsibility regarding medication administration revolves around the principle of patient safety and adherence to established protocols. Administering medications safely means that nurses must follow specific guidelines, including verifying the correct medication, dosage, route, and timing, as well as confirming the patient's identity and understanding of the medication being given.

This responsibility is reinforced by the legal and ethical frameworks that govern nursing practice. Nurses are required to have a comprehensive understanding of medications, including potential side effects and contraindications, but the focus is on ensuring that every step of the administration process is conducted with diligence and adherence to protocols designed to protect patient safety.

While researching each medication before administration is beneficial, the primary responsibility is to ensure safe practices during administration itself. Responding to any patient requests for medications must also be approached cautiously; nurses cannot administer medications that are not prescribed or safe for the patient. Training patients on self-administration is part of patient education but is not the sole responsibility of a nurse in the context of medication administration. Hence, the emphasis on administering medications safely and according to established protocols encapsulates the core responsibility of a nurse in this regard.