RIGHTS OF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION
What is the first "Right" of medication administration?
What is right patient
Rationale:
Verifying the right patient prevents giving the medication to the wrong individual — a critical safety step. Use two identifiers (e.g., name and DOB).
Convert 1 gram to milligrams.
What is 1,000 mg
Rationale:
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams. Basic metric conversion.
What is the most common route of medication administration?
What is oral?
Rationale:
Most medications are given orally due to ease, safety, and patient compliance.
What unit of measurement is most common on medication labels?
What is milligrams (mg)?
Rationale:
Most solid oral medications are dosed in mg.
What should you do if you make a medication error?
What is assess patient, report immediately, document per policy?
Rationale:
Timely action can prevent harm and supports patient safety/quality improvement.
List the “6 Rights” of medication administration.
what is right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, right route, right documentation
Rationale:
These rights ensure safe and effective medication administration and prevent errors.
Order: 500 mg, Available: 250 mg/tab. How many tablets do you give?
What is 2 tablets
Rationale:
500 ÷ 250 = 2 tablets. Basic dose calculation.
Where is an intramuscular injection commonly given in adults?
What is Deltoid or ventrogluteal?
Rationale?
These sites allow safe muscle access and reduce risk of hitting nerves or vessels.
What should you always check on a medication label before administering it?
What is expiration date, dose, name, route?
Rationale:
Ensures medication is safe, appropriate, and matches the MAR.
What is the nurse's responsibility before giving a new medication?
What is know its action, side effects, dose, and indications?
Rationale:
Nurses are accountable for knowing the medications they give.
What should a nurse check before giving a PRN medication?
What is last dose/time, indication, and effectiveness
Rationale:
PRN meds must be given based on patient need and timing. Documenting effectiveness ensures appropriate therapeutic use.
Order: 1.5g, Available: 500 mg tabs. How many tablets?
What is 3 tablets
Rationale:
Convert 1.5g = 1500 mg → 1500 ÷ 500 = 3 tablets.
What is the Z-track method used for?
What is IM injections to prevent medication leakage?
Rationale:
Z-track displaces skin to seal medication in muscle, avoiding irritation in subcutaneous tissue.
A label reads: “Amoxicillin 250 mg/5 mL.” How many mL for a 500 mg dose?
What is 10 mL?
Rationale:
500 ÷ 250 = 2 → 2 x 5 mL = 10 mL.
True or False:
Verbal medication orders are acceptable in all settings.
What is false?
Rationale:
Verbal orders are limited to emergencies and must be verified and documented.
What “Right” ensures you're giving the medication exactly how it should be taken (oral, IM, etc.)?
What is "right route"
Rationale:
Medications given via the wrong route may not be absorbed properly or can cause harm.
Order: 1,000 mL IV over 8 hours. What is the rate in mL/hr?
What is 125 mL/hr
Rationale:
1000 ÷ 8 = 125 mL/hr.
Which route provides the fastest absorption?
What is Intravenous (IV)?
Rationale:
IV bypasses absorption barriers and goes directly into bloodstream.
Why is it important to match the generic name when giving a medication?
What is avoid duplication and errors?
Rationale:
Same drug can have many brand names; generic name ensures consistency.
What is a “high-alert” medication?
What is a med that has a higher risk of causing harm if used incorrectly?
Rationale:
examples: insulin, heparin, opioids; these require double-checking.
Name two additional rights beyond the basic 6 that promote patient-centered care.
What is "right to refuse, right education, right indication"
Rationale:
These rights empower patients in their care, ensuring informed consent and autonomy.
Order: 30 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses. Patient weighs 20 kg. What is the single dose?
What is 200mg
Rationale:
30 x 20 = 600 mg/day ÷ 3 = 200 mg/dose.
Name one reason why a medication might be given sublingually.
What is faster absorption, bypasses first-pass metabolism?
Rationale:
Sublingual meds absorb quickly via mucous membranes and skip liver metabolism.
A vial says "2g/10mL". How many mL is needed for a 500mg dose?
What is 2.5 mL?
Rationale:
Convert 2g = 2000 mg → 500 ÷ 2000 = 0.25 → 0.25 x 10 mL = 2.5 mL.
You gave the wrong dose. What are the priority actions?
What is assess patient, notify provider, complete incident report?
Rationale:
Patient safety comes first; documentation ensures accountability and legal protection.