How many times should you check the medication label against the MAR?

The correct answer is three times because this practice is central to ensuring medication safety and accuracy in the administration process. The "three checks" are a fundamental principle in medication management.

The first check typically occurs when you initially select the medication from storage. At this point, you check the medication label against the Medication Administration Record (MAR) to confirm that you have the correct medication and dosage.

The second check happens at the time of preparation. While preparing the medication, you again verify the label against the MAR to ensure that there are no discrepancies in terms of dosage, route, or timing.

The final check occurs just before administration. Before giving the medication to the patient, verifying it one last time against the MAR is crucial. This ensures that everything is correct and ready for administration, thus minimizing the risk of errors that could adversely affect the patient's health.

This structured approach aligns with safety protocols and helps in reinforcing a habit of diligence in medication management. While other options suggest fewer checks, they do not reinforce the safety measures necessary to prevent potential medication errors.