What does the term 'titration' refer to in medication administration?

The term 'titration' in medication administration specifically refers to the process of adjusting drug doses to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing potential side effects. This involves carefully increasing or decreasing the dose of a medication based on the patient's response and various factors including their condition, tolerance to the medication, and any side effects experienced.

This method is particularly important in medications that have a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that the effective dose is very close to the dose that may cause toxicity. Titration helps ensure that patients receive the optimal dose of medication for their individual needs, enhancing safety and efficacy in treatment.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of medication management. Mixing medications is a distinct process and doesn't encompass the fine-tuning of dosing. Taking medications at specific times relates more to adherence to a medication regimen rather than adjusting the dose based on patient response. Measuring drug effectiveness involves assessing outcomes of therapy but does not involve the dynamic dose adjustments that titration entails.