When should the third medication check be performed?

The third medication check is performed just before administering the medication to the patient at the bedside to ensure the highest level of safety and accuracy in medication administration. This step is crucial because it serves as a final verification that the right medication, dose, route, and patient are confirmed immediately before the medication is given. This practice helps to prevent any potential errors that may have occurred during the preparation or transfer of the medication from the supply area to the patient's location. By checking the medication at this point, healthcare providers can confirm that all previous checks are consistent and correct.

Performing the check at the bedside, rather than just before administration in the clinic, allows for real-time confirmation and reassessment in the context of the patient’s condition and readiness for treatment. This practice is integral to maintaining medication safety and ensuring proper patient outcomes.