A nurse is preparing to administer an IM medication to a client. The nurse is unfamiliar with this medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Check the medication label twice before administering it: Verifying the label is an essential safety step, but it does not provide the nurse with information about the medication’s purpose, dosage, administration route, or potential side effects. This action alone is insufficient when unfamiliar with a drug. B. Review the client's medication reconciliation record: Reviewing the reconciliation ensures the medication aligns with the client’s current prescriptions, but it does not provide information about how to safely administer a medication the nurse does not know. C. Draw up the medication dose and ask the charge nurse to administer it: Delegating administration without first understanding the medication compromises client safety and violates the nurse’s responsibility to ensure safe administration. The nurse must gain knowledge before handling the medication. D. Use a medication reference book to look up the medication: Consulting a reputable medication reference allows the nurse to obtain critical information about indications, dosage, side effects, contraindications, and administration guidelines. This step ensures safe and informed medication administration.