After scanning the medication barcode, what should be done next?

After scanning the medication barcode, the next appropriate action is to administer the medication. This step is crucial as it involves the actual delivery of the prescribed treatment to the patient, ensuring that they receive the correct medication at the correct dosage and time.

Prior to administering the medication, however, it is essential to complete necessary safety checks, such as verifying the patient's identity against their wristband, which helps avoid medication errors. While logging the administration into the system is also an important part of maintaining accurate medical records, it occurs after the medication has been safely given. Ensuring that the medication is correct, the patient is ready, and that all protocols are followed is vital before proceeding with administration. Thus, patient safety and adherence to medical protocols should always take precedence in the medication administration process.