What does the term 'administer' mean regarding medication use?

The term 'administer' in the context of medication use specifically refers to the act of supplying a single dose for immediate use. This is often done in clinical settings by healthcare providers who are responsible for ensuring that medications are given to patients safely and effectively at the appropriate time.

In administering medication, it is crucial to follow correct protocols regarding dosage, route of administration, and timing to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. This distinguishes administration from other related actions, such as providing ongoing doses over time, evaluating how well a medication works, or instructing a patient on medication usage, which are important elements of overall medication management but do not align with the direct definition of 'administer.'