Before passing meds, what should you know about a client?

• A. Age
• B. Medical history
• C. Diet and hydration status
• D. Allergies

Answer: (D)

Knowing a client’s allergies before passing medications is essential because an allergic reaction can occur even with a standard dose, and avoiding the offending drug protects the client’s safety. This information directly determines whether a medication is safe to administer and guides you to choose alternatives if an allergy is present. While age, medical history, and diet or hydration status influence dosing, monitoring, and how a medication works in the body, they do not carry the immediate, life-threatening risk that an unknown or known drug allergy does. If allergy information is unknown, verify it with the client, family, and medical records, and involve a supervisor or prescriber if needed. Always document the allergy clearly and monitor the client after administration so you can respond quickly if any reaction occurs.