What does the "five rights" refer to in medication administration?

The "five rights" of medication administration are a critical framework designed to ensure patient safety and effective medication delivery. The correct answer outlines these five rights as follows: right patient, right medication, right time, right dosage, and right route.

• The first right, "right patient," ensures that the medication is being given to the correct individual, which is vital to prevent medication errors that could lead to serious health consequences.

• The second right, "right medication," requires the caregiver to confirm that the medication being administered is indeed what the patient is supposed to receive, thus preventing mix-ups between different drugs.

• "Right time" refers to administering the medication at the scheduled times to ensure its effectiveness and maintain the therapeutic effect.

• "Right dosage" ensures that the patient receives the correct amount of medication, which is essential in both efficacy and safety, to avoid underdosing or overdosing.

• Finally, "right route" emphasizes the importance of delivering the medication by the correct method, whether orally, intravenously, or through another route, as the method of administration can significantly affect how the medication works in the body.

This correct understanding of the five rights not only helps in promoting safe medication practices but also serves as a basis for CMT training