What action should be taken after administering a medication to a patient?

After administering medication to a patient, documenting the administration is crucial. This action serves several important purposes in patient care and medication management.

First, documentation creates a legal record of what medication was given, the dosage, the time it was administered, and the patient it was administered to. Maintaining accurate and detailed records ensures accountability and safety across the care team.

Second, documentation is essential for continuity of care. If other healthcare providers need to know what medications a patient has received, they can refer to the documented information. This helps prevent medication errors, such as double dosing or administering contraindicated drugs.

Additionally, if any adverse reactions occur after the medication is administered, having detailed documentation allows healthcare professionals to evaluate and address the situation based on previously recorded information.

While preparing for the next patient, discarding leftover medication, or notifying a supervisor may also be important steps in certain situations, documentation specifically provides a comprehensive record that is vital for both legal and medical reasons.