What action should be taken by the nurse first when preparing to administer medications to a patient? a. Check the medication expiration date. b. Check the medication administration record (MAR). c. Call the pharmacy for administration instructions. d. Check the patient's name band. {Ans: b. Check the medication administration record (MAR). Checking the MAR is the first step in administering medications. Checking the expiration date and administration instructions is done only after the order is verified. Checking the patient's name band is one of the six rights of medication administration, but it is done after the MAR has been checked and the drug, dose, route, and time of administration have been verified.}What self-care measure is most important for the nurse to include when developing a teaching plan for a patient who will be discharged with a urostomy? a. Change the appliance before going to bed. b. Cut the wafer 1 inch larger than the stoma. c. Cleanse the peristomal skin with mild soap and water. d. Use firm pressure to attach the wafer to the skin. {Ans: c. Cleanse the peristomal skin with mild soap and water. The peristomal area should be washed by the patient using warm