A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client. At which of the following times should the nurse compare the medication administration record and the medication label?

The correct times for the nurse to compare the medication administration record and the medication label are when removing the medication from the drawer, directly before administering the medication, and when preparing the medication dosage. Comparing the medication administration record with the label when removing the medication ensures that the correct medication is being taken out. Checking again directly before administration ensures the right medication is given to the right patient. Lastly, verifying the medication dosage during preparation ensures accurate dosing. The other options are incorrect because comparing at the end of the shift may lead to errors going unnoticed, reconciling counts of controlled substances is unrelated to checking medication accuracy, and comparing when reconciling counts may not catch errors in administration.