The Rights of Medication Administration are the nurse's safety framework to prevent medication errors — a leading cause of patient harm.
Pharmacology Basics
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The Rights of Medication Administration are the nurse's safety framework to prevent medication errors — a leading cause of patient harm.
Verify identity using TWO identifiers.
💡 Name and date of birth — NOT room number.
Confirm the medication name against the MAR.
💡 Watch for look-alike / sound-alike names (e.g., hydralazine vs. hydroxyzine).
Calculate and verify the dose; double-check high-alert drugs.
💡 Independent double-check for insulin, heparin, opioids, chemo.
Confirm the ordered route is appropriate and safe.
💡 Never assume — verify especially with IV vs. oral switches.
Give within 30 minutes of the scheduled time.
💡 Time-critical meds (insulin, antibiotics, anticoagulants) have stricter windows.
Document immediately AFTER administration.
💡 Never chart before giving — that's a falsification.
Confirm the drug matches the patient's diagnosis.
💡 If unsure why the drug is ordered, ask before giving.
Assess for therapeutic effect AND side effects after dosing.
💡 Reassess pain after analgesic, BP after antihypertensive, glucose after insulin.
Patients can refuse — educate, document, notify provider.
💡 Honor refusal but ensure the patient understands the consequences.
Teach purpose, dose, side effects, and what to report.
💡 Teach-back method confirms patient understanding.
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Disclaimer: PharmPal Nurse is for education only and is not medical advice. Do not use it to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or make patient-care decisions; always verify with current drug references, your instructor, facility policy, and a licensed provider. In emergencies, call local emergency services.