When mixing medications, which of the following is a key practice?

Ensuring compatibility of the medications is essential when mixing them. Compatibility refers to the ability of two or more medications to be safely combined without adverse reactions, which can include chemical reactions that might reduce their effectiveness or lead to harmful side effects. Mixing incompatible medications can result in precipitation, changes in pH, or other reactions that could jeopardize patient safety.

Healthcare professionals are trained to review drug compatibility references, such as databases or guidelines, to confirm whether specific medications can be safely mixed together. This practice helps to prevent complications and maintains the integrity and effectiveness of each medication involved.

In contrast, the other options may not contribute to safe medication practices. For example, combining all medications in one container without checking for compatibility can be dangerous, and dissolving solid medications in saline is not universally appropriate since the proper solvent depends on the specific medication. Mixing all medications together before administration overlooks the importance of individual medication assessments.