What assessment is essential before administering a newly prescribed medication?

Identifying any allergies or adverse reactions is essential before administering a newly prescribed medication because this assessment helps to ensure the patient's safety and prevent potentially harmful interactions. Allergies to medications can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylaxis, swelling, or skin rashes. By confirming the patient’s allergy history, the medication technician can make informed decisions about whether the prescribed medication is appropriate for the patient and take necessary precautions.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly address the immediate safety concerns associated with medication administration. Evaluating the patient’s financial situation, for instance, is important for understanding access to medications but does not directly impact the safety of the current medication administration. Checking recent lab results can be valuable but is more relevant in monitoring the effects of ongoing treatments rather than assessing immediate medication safety. Conducting a satisfaction survey may provide feedback on patient perceptions but is not a necessary step before giving a new medication. Thus, the focus on allergies and adverse reactions is critical to safeguarding the patient’s health during medication administration.