The 6 Rights of Medication Administration in nursing are essential guidelines to ensure patient safety when administering medications. They help minimize errors and promote accountability in healthcare settings. Here are the 6 Rights:
- Right Patient
Verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers, such as their name and date of birth, and cross-check with the medication order and identification band. - Right Medication
Confirm that the correct medication is being given by checking the prescription, the label on the medication package, and the administration record. - Right Dose
Ensure that the dose prescribed matches the dose being administered. Double-check calculations, especially for pediatric or critical care patients. - Right Route
Verify the route of administration (e.g., oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous) matches the prescription and is appropriate for the patient. - Right Time/Frequency
Administer the medication at the correct time and frequency as indicated on the order, ensuring adherence to timing instructions such as “before meals” or “at bedtime.” - Right Documentation
Accurately document the administration of the medication, including the time, dose, route, and any relevant observations. Document only after the medication has been given.
These rights are often expanded to include other considerations, such as Right Reason and Right Response, to further enhance patient safety.