Which vital sign is typically taken before administering medication?

Taking a patient's temperature before administering medication is essential for several reasons. One key reason is that the temperature can indicate the presence of infection or illness. If a patient has a fever, it might affect the choice and dosage of medication, as some medications are not advised when an infection is present, while others may be needed to treat it. Monitoring temperature helps ensure that healthcare providers are aware of the patient’s condition, allowing for safer and more effective medication administration.

In contrast, weight and height are not vital signs that directly influence immediate medication decisions. While they are important for understanding a patient's overall health and can influence medication dosing in the long term, they do not provide immediate insight into a patient's current state, such as whether they may be reacting to a medication or experiencing an acute health change. Heart rate, while a critical vital sign, does not provide the same immediate context regarding infections or the need for particular medications as temperature does.