Before administering antiviral medication, which priority assessments should be completed?

Administering antiviral medication necessitates critical assessments to ensure patient safety and medication efficacy. One of the primary assessments includes evaluating potential drug-to-drug interactions, as antiviral medications can interact with other medications a patient may be taking, potentially leading to adverse effects or reduced therapeutic efficacy. Identifying these interactions beforehand is essential for optimizing treatment and preventing complications.

Additionally, establishing baseline vital signs is crucial as it provides a reference point to monitor the patient’s response to the medication. If any adverse effects or changes occur following the administration of the antiviral agent, having this baseline data facilitates more accurate assessments of the patient's condition and any potential complications that arise.

In contrast, while assessing the patient's mood and behavior, dietary preferences, and family medical history are important aspects of patient care, they do not take precedence over the immediate need to understand drug interactions and the patient's vital signs before starting antiviral therapy.