Which action is critical for maintaining patient safety during medication administration?

Following established protocols and double-checking information is critical for maintaining patient safety during medication administration for several reasons. Established protocols are designed to minimize errors and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken before, during, and after administering medication. These protocols include verifying the correct patient, medication, dosage, route of administration, and time.

Double-checking information allows personnel to catch potential errors, such as incorrect dosages or wrong medications. This redundancy is a key safety measure, as it helps to ensure that any discrepancies can be resolved before the medication is given, significantly reducing the risk of harm to the patient.

In the context of medication administration, this action aligns with the principles of safe practice that prioritize patient welfare, providing a structured approach that healthcare professionals must adhere to for safe outcomes.