Describe the 'five rights' of medication administration.

• A. Right patient, right route, right dose, right drug, and right time
• B. Right patient, right room, right dose, right route, right frequency
• C. Right patient, right drug, right dosage, right method, right time
• D. Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time

Answer: (D)

The five rights focus safety checks that help ensure medication is given correctly: the patient, the drug, the dose, the route, and the time.

First, the right patient means verifying exactly who is receiving the medication. This involves checking two identifiers (like name and date of birth) and matching them to the doctor's order and the patient’s MAR or electronic record. This prevents giving medicine to the wrong person.

Then, the right drug involves confirming the medication’s exact name on the label matches what was prescribed. This helps avoid mix-ups with similar-sounding or look-alike drugs and includes checking for any allergies or prior reactions that could cause harm.

The right dose is about ensuring the amount prescribed is precisely delivered. This may require calculating doses, especially in children or patients with special needs, and confirming the strength and concentration on the medication label so the patient receives the correct amount.

The right route means delivering the drug by the approved method—oral, IV, IM, etc.—as stated in the order. It also involves ensuring the patient can receive it by that route and that any route-specific considerations (such as a preferred administration method or contraindications) are addressed.

The right time covers giving the medication at its scheduled time or within an acceptable window, aligning with dosing intervals to maintain therapeutic levels. It also includes documenting when doses are given, held, or delayed to keep the record accurate and ensure continuity of care.

Together, these checks create a reliable safety routine that reduces medication errors and supports patient well-being.