Before administering any medication, know the following:

• Mode of action and purpose of medication (making sure that this medication is appropriate for the patient with consideration to the patient's developmental state, individual characteristics, and health status)
• Adverse effects of and contraindications for the medication
• Antagonist of medication (as appropriate)
• Safe dosage range for medication
• Potential interactions with other medications
• Precautions to take before administration
• Proper administration technique