How many safety checks should be performed before medication administration?

The correct number of safety checks to perform before medication administration is three. This practice is crucial in ensuring patient safety and preventing medication errors. The three safety checks typically involve verifying the right patient, right medication, and right dosage at several points during the process, including when retrieving the medication, preparing it, and administering it.

This systematic approach helps to significantly reduce the risk of administering the wrong medication or dosage and reinforces the importance of being vigilant in a healthcare setting. Implementing these checks is a standard protocol in healthcare environments, ensuring that medication administration is conducted safely and accurately.