Six Rights of Medication Administration

Study Notes

Six Rights of Medication Administration

Right Patient: Verify identity using at least two identifiers (name, ID number, birthdate) at the patient's bedside.
Right Medication: Ensure there is a written order; clarify any unclear prescriptions with the healthcare provider.
Right Dose: Utilize a unit dose system to minimize errors and have a second nurse verify calculations or conversions.
Right Route: Always confirm the designated route; consult the prescriber if unspecified or incorrect.
Right Time: Administer medications within a 30-minute window before or after the scheduled time; prioritize time-critical medications.
Right Documentation: Document medications immediately after administration, including the medication name, dose, time, and route.

Right Medication

Confirm the order matches the Medication Administration Record (MAR) before preparation and administration.
Perform a triple check of the medication label against the MAR at three stages: before removing, during preparation, and at the bedside.
Address and recheck any patient concerns about medications before administering.

Right Dose

Employ accurate measurement tools like graduated cups and syringes to ensure correct dosing.
Certain medications, especially extended-release forms, cannot be crushed; always check compatibility before doing so.
Encourage verification of medication calculations by another qualified nurse to enhance safety.

Right Patient

Use patient identification methods, including wristbands and bar-code scanning, to ensure the right individual receives the medication.
Always double-check patient identity before administration.

Right Route

If the route is unclear or inappropriate for a patient (e.g., oral for NPO), immediately consult the prescriber for clarification.
Be particularly mindful of children, as they are often given liquid medications orally, which might not align with their needs.

Right Time

Understand the importance of timing for specific medications and their implications on patient care.
Be aware of hospital protocols for time-critical medications that require strict adherence to administration schedules.

Right Documentation

Always record medication details directly after administration to maintain accurate patient records.
Check for discrepancies in documentation and correct them before giving medications, ensuring all necessary details are included.

Description

Test your knowledge on the crucial Six Rights of Medication Administration to ensure patient safety. This quiz covers the right patient, medication, dose, route, time, and documentation. It's essential for healthcare professionals to understand these principles to minimize medication errors.