The Five Rights of Medication Administration – Flashcards

Drug must ALWAYS go to the correct patient

Right drug must always be chosen

Drug must be given via the correct route of administration (ROA). If the correct drug and dose are given, but via the wrong route, a medication error may occur

Patient must receive the right dose. A dose that is too high or too low is considered a medication error.

patient must receive the medication within the prescribed time frame. Many inpatient institutions have a time window within which the medication can be given; any administration outside that window is considered a medication error. For example, if a dose is due at 9:00 A.M., the nurse may be permitted to give the medication any time between 8:30 A.M. and 9:30 A.M. Medication given outside the set parameters is considered a medication error

Right technique & Right Documentation

correct technique must be used when preparing the drug (I.V. products must be made in sterile environments)

Correct documentation must be completed (whether by the doctor, nurse, pharmacy, etc.), or a medication error may take place