What are the five rights of medication administration?

The five rights of medication administration are essential principles that help ensure patient safety and effective pharmacological care. The correct answer identifies the following critical components: the right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time.

Each of these rights is crucial for preventing medication errors:

• The right patient ensures that the medication is given to the correct individual, avoiding mix-ups that could lead to serious health complications.

• The right medication confirms that the healthcare provider is giving the correct drug intended for the patient’s specific condition, which is vital as many medications might have similar names or appearances.

• The right dose refers to administering the correct quantity of medication. Giving too little may not be therapeutic, while too much can lead to toxicity.

• The right route specifies how the medication should be taken—whether orally, intravenously, or by another method. Different routes affect the drug's absorption and effectiveness.

• The right time emphasizes the importance of administering the medication at the correct intervals to maintain effective therapeutic levels and to provide the desired effect.

Collectively, these rights act as a safeguard in medication administration, enhancing patient safety and ensuring the efficacy of the treatment regimen. Other options may include terms that are less universally recognized or may not encompass all the essential aspects