What is a crucial step to take before administering any medication?

Checking the patient's medication chart for allergies is a critical step before administering any medication because it directly impacts patient safety. Allergic reactions can result in severe consequences, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. By reviewing the medication chart, healthcare providers can identify any known allergies and take appropriate action to avoid administering medications that could trigger an adverse reaction.

In contrast, administering an extra dose as a precaution could lead to overdose and related complications. Consulting a pharmacist for every medication, while beneficial in certain situations, may not be practical or necessary for routine administration unless specific concerns arise. Applying a topical treatment before oral administration is not relevant to the safety of administering oral medications; it could create confusion and does not address the critical risk of allergies. Therefore, ensuring the patient’s allergies are known helps protect their health and well-being during medication administration.