What should a nurse verify regarding the right dose before administering medication?

Verifying the dosage of medication based on the client's age and size is essential in ensuring safe and effective patient care. Different age groups, from pediatric to geriatric populations, metabolize medications differently due to variations in body composition, organ function, and metabolic rate. For instance, children may require different dosing because their body weight and surface area are significantly smaller compared to adults, while older adults may have various comorbidities and altered pharmacokinetics that affect how medications work in their bodies.

By confirming that the dosage is appropriate for the client's age and size, the nurse helps prevent potential overdoses or underdoses that could lead to ineffective treatment or harmful side effects. This practice aligns with the principle of individualized patient care and emphasizes the importance of tailored medication administration based on specific patient characteristics. Other factors, such as the form in which a drug is provided or the nurse's familiarity with the medication, are relevant but do not directly determine whether the dosage itself is correct for the client being treated. Familiarity with the client’s knowledge of the medication can be pertinent but does not influence the calculation of the appropriate dose.