What is the first step in proper administration of injections?

• A. Wash your hands using proper technique.
• B. Draw up medication from the vial.
• C. Check the physician's order after administration.
• D. Escort the patient to the treatment area.

Answer: (A)

Washing hands with proper technique is the initial action before any injection. Clean hands establish a sterile starting point, reducing the risk of introducing infection to the patient and protecting you during the procedure. After hand hygiene, you would verify the physician’s order, gather and prepare the correct medication, and then perform the injection. Drawing up medication and confirming the order are essential steps that come after hand hygiene, while escorting the patient to the treatment area is administrative and not the first part of the injection process.