When administering controlled substances, what should be recorded before giving the drug?

Recording the drug on a narcotic and controlled substance form is a crucial step before administering controlled substances. This form serves as a legal and regulatory requirement to track the usage of these medications due to their potential for abuse and dependence. Maintaining accurate documentation ensures that there is accountability for the medication, allows for monitoring of any discrepancies in counts, and provides essential information for facility audits and patient safety.

While assessing the resident's vital signs, behavior, or charting blood pressure are important parts of the overall care plan, they do not specifically meet the requirements for documenting controlled substances. These observations can be done to ensure the resident's health and well-being, but the primary focus for controlled substances lies in adherence to the policies regarding their administration and documentation. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize the correct recording on the narcotic and controlled substance form before proceeding with the administration of the medication.