What is the first action a CMA should take before administering medications?

The first action a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) should take before administering medications is to identify the patient at the bedside. This step is crucial in ensuring patient safety and preventing medication errors. Proper identification typically involves verifying the patient's name, date of birth, or another identifying factor against the medication administration record (MAR). This practice helps confirm that the right patient is receiving the right medication, at the right dose, and at the right time, which is fundamental to safe medication administration. By actively confirming the patient's identity, the CMA helps to prevent mix-ups and safeguard against potential adverse events, promoting better health outcomes.

Other actions, such as making the patient comfortable, preparing a drink, or documenting after administration, are important in the medication process but come after ensuring the correct patient is identified and ready to receive the medication. Proper patient identification is a critical first step that sets the stage for the entire administration process.