9 rights of medication admin

4. Right time

Administration of medication at the correct time to ensure therapeutic serum levels. Facility policies for acceptable administration windows must be followed.

3. Right route

Administration of medication using the prescribed route.

2. Right drug

Administration of the correct drug. This requires careful review of the medication because many medications have similar names.

8. Right form

Administration of the medication in the appropriate form (i.e. liquid versus tablet).

5. Right dose

Ensuring that the prescribed dose is accurately transcribed and administered. Nurses also have a responsibility to ensure that the dose is within the appropriate dose range.

7. Right action

It is important to understand the rationale for the medications prescribed. If the medication ordered is incongruent to the patient's diagnosis and rationale for its use is not apparent, it is appropriate to gather more information prior to administration.

1. Right patient

This right is self-evident. The medication must be administered to the patient for whom it is prescribed. Patient identity must be confirmed using a minimum of two facility approved identifiers.

9. Right response

This right of medication administration involves an evaluation of the effectiveness of the medication's intended purpose through patient assessment and monitoring.

6. Right documentation

Timely and accurate documentation of medication administration as outlined by facility policy.