What is the first step a PCA should take before administering medications?

Verifying the correct patient, medication, dose, route, and time is crucial because it directly affects patient safety and the efficacy of the treatment. This process, often referred to as the "Five Rights of Medication Administration," ensures that the right patient is receiving the right medication, in the right dose, via the right route, and at the right time. This step helps to prevent medication errors, which can lead to serious health complications.

Prioritizing this verification process is essential because it serves as the foundational safeguard that supports all other actions taken by a PCA in the medication administration process. It is vital to confirm these elements right before administering any medication to mitigate the risk of adverse drug reactions or therapeutic failures caused by incorrect information.