What does the term "onset" refer to in medication administration?

The term "onset" specifically refers to the time it takes for a drug to begin to exert its therapeutic effects. This is a critical concept in pharmacology and medication administration because understanding the onset helps healthcare professionals anticipate when a patient may start to feel the effects of the medication, allowing for better management of treatment and patient expectations. Knowing the onset time enables providers to time interventions appropriately and helps in assessing the effectiveness of the medication once administered.