What should be assessed before administering IV medications?

Before administering IV medications, it is crucial to assess the patient’s allergies and current medications. This assessment helps ensure patient safety by identifying any potential allergic reactions to the medication being administered. Knowing the patient's medication history is equally important, as it can reveal any possible drug interactions that could occur if the new IV medication is administered concurrently with other medications. This thorough evaluation minimizes the risk of adverse effects and supports effective and safe medication administration.

While other factors such as vital signs, nutritional status, and family medical histories are important aspects of patient care, they do not directly address the immediate concerns related to the safety and efficacy of administering IV medications. Vital signs might be monitored before and after medication administration for overall assessment, but the specific focus on allergies and current medications is essential for preventing potential complications associated with IV therapy.