Which of the following is a key safety measure when administering medications?

Reviewing each medication against the patient's records is a crucial safety measure when administering medications. This process ensures that the correct medication is being given to the appropriate patient, at the right dosage, and via the correct route. By cross-referencing with the patient’s medical records, a medication technician can verify that the medication is suitable for the patient's current health status, assess for any potential drug interactions, and confirm that there have been no recent changes in medication orders or contraindications. This step is vital in preventing medication errors, which can lead to serious adverse effects.

The other options fail to meet the standard safety protocols necessary in medication administration. Serving medications only to friends introduces bias and could involve personal relationships that compromise professional responsibilities. Giving medications solely during lunch breaks does not adhere to the structured timing that is often vital for many medications, which need to be administered based on specific schedules. Choosing medications based on personal preference disregards clinical guidelines and the individual needs of patients, leading to potentially harmful outcomes. Therefore, verifying against patient records is the best practice to ensure safe medication administration.