What must a medication aide verify before administering insulin?

Before administering insulin, it is crucial for a medication aide to verify the blood sugar level according to facility protocols. This step ensures that the medication is given only when it is necessary and appropriate, as administering insulin without knowledge of the patient’s current blood glucose level can lead to dangerous outcomes, such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. The blood sugar level helps determine the correct dosage and timing of insulin administration, making it a fundamental aspect of responsibly managing a patient’s diabetes.

While it's important to know other information related to insulin administration, such as the type of insulin prescribed and checking the expiration date, these factors do not take precedence over confirming the patient's current blood sugar level in the context of safe medication administration. Identifying the patient and reviewing their medical history is also essential, but the immediate connection to insulin administration lies significantly in understanding their blood sugar status at the time of treatment.