To ensure safe administration when a patient requests pain relief, what is the correct preparatory step?

• A. Check the MAR for the last dose and time
• B. Administer regardless of records
• C. Call family to decide
• D. Delay the dose until next shift

Answer: (A)

Verifying the last dose and its time on the MAR is the essential preparatory step before giving pain relief. This check confirms there is an active analgesia order, shows the correct drug and dose, and tells you whether the patient is within the approved dosing interval or if a dose is already given too recently. It also helps identify any documented allergies or contraindications and flags potential interactions. Without reviewing the MAR, you could duplicate dosing, miss a dose, or overlook safety issues.

Giving a dose without looking at records ignores the current prescription and patient safety, while involving family to decide or delaying until the next shift leaves the patient in pain and is not appropriate.