Rights of Administration
How many rights of medication administration are required before giving a medication?
What are six rights
Rationale: Using all six rights reduces medication errors and protects patient safety.
This system uses the patient wristband to prevent errors.
What is barcode medication administration (BCMA)
Rationale: Barcode Medication Administration confirms the right patient and medication.
This type of order means “give as needed based on a parameter.”
PRN
Rationale: PRN medications require assessment before administration.
Name one medication class considered high‑alert.
Insulin, opioids, anticoagulants, chemotherapy, neuromuscular blocking agents
Rationale: High‑alert meds carry increased risk for harm if misused.
Laws that define what an LPN can and cannot do are outlined in what document?
Nursing practice act
Rationale: Each state has its’ own nurse practice act. States typically follow federal laws and modify to meet population-based needs
Which "Right" tells the nurse to identify the person receiving the medication
Right Patient
List at least 3 advantages of BCMA.
Increased caution, increased safety, fewer errors
*Remember, this does NOT replace clinical judgment and critical thinking
What type of order is "emergency use"
Stat
Why does IV potassium require extreme caution or RN verification?
It can cause fatal cardiac dysrhythmias.
Rationale: High‑alert meds carry increased risk for harm if misused.
True or false: LPNs in the state of Florida can administer IV medications?
True
Rationale: LPNs may administer IV medications after completing an IV certification class and test.
Which "Right" tells the nurse to confirm the appropriate amount of drug is given?
Right Dose
What should the nurse check EVERY time they complete BCMA?
Patient identifiers in the medical record & on the wrist band. Seek verbal identification from the patient.
What type of order is used when a medication is regular or on a fixed scheduled?
Routine
What is a nursing practice for administration of high-alert, or controlled, substances?
Independent double verification, stored separately
True or False: Following a provider order automatically makes an action legal.
False
Rationale: Nurses are legally responsible for questioning unsafe or inappropriate orders.
Which "Right" tells the nurse to confirm the medication is given via the correct body system?
Right Route
What are the two (2) patient identifiers?
Name and date of birth
What type of order is given to meet a specific parameter?
Standing order
A nurse notices two (2) medication vials with similar labels stored together. Why is this especially dangerous with high-alert medicatons?
Increased risk of look-alike medication errors
Which type of order should be avoided whenever possible due to legal risk?
Verbal orders
Rationale: Verbal orders increase the risk of miscommunication and medication errors.
Which "Right" tells the nurse to ensure the administered medication is accurately displayed in the medical record?
Right Documentation
What are ways that BCMA can fail?
Work arounds (skipped scanning, not verbalizing name/DOB)
Who is authorized to give orders?
Physicians, PAs, NPs ("providers")
Why are titratable IV infusions considered high-alert medications?
Incorrect rates can rapidly cause severe patient harm
A provider writes an order for a medication dose that exceeds safe limits. What should the nurse do FIRST?
Hold the medication and contact the provider
Rationale: Administering a known unsafe dose places legal liability on the nurse.