What is the primary purpose of a drug manual?

The primary purpose of a drug manual is to serve as a reference guide for medication information. Drug manuals compile critical details regarding pharmaceuticals, including indications, contraindications, side effects, dosing, and drug interactions. Healthcare professionals utilize these manuals to ensure they are making informed decisions regarding medication administration, which is essential for patient safety and effective treatment.

While nutrition guidelines, assistance in patient physical exams, and outlining hospital policies are important aspects of healthcare, they fall outside the scope of what a drug manual is specifically designed to address. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the role of drug manuals as vital resources for accurate and comprehensive medication information.