What should the nurse check prior to administering medication via an IV bolus?

Confirming that the IV line is patent is crucial before administering medication via an IV bolus because it ensures that the medication can flow freely into the bloodstream. If the IV line is not patent, the medication may not be delivered effectively, potentially leading to inadequate treatment or complications such as infiltration or phlebitis. Verifying the patency allows the nurse to check for any blockages or issues with the IV site, ensuring both the safety and efficacy of the medication administration.

Assessing the patient's nutritional status, ensuring fasting, and verifying insurance information are not directly related to the immediate safety and effectiveness of IV medication delivery. While these factors may be important in other clinical contexts, they do not address the critical concern of confirming that the IV access is functional prior to administration.