Ten Rights of Drug Administration

1. Right Medication
The medication given was the medication ordered.

Nursing Responsibilities
Check 3 times for safe medication Check the expiration Date Always check the MAR ( Medication administration record) While preparing the medication, recheck again the label and compare it with the MAR.

2. Right Dose
The dose ordered should be appropriate for the client.

Nursing Responsibilities
Calculation of Medication should be done appropriately especially when giving multiple pills/tablets or large quantity of liquid medicines.

Double check the calculations that seems to be incorrect and questionable.

Nursing Responsibilities
Know the usual dose range of the medication. Check the medication sheet and the doctors order before administering.

3. Right Patient
Medication is given to the intended client

Nursing Responsibilities
Ask the name of the client before administering.

4. Right Route
Give the Medication to the ordered route.

Nursing Responsibilities
Check the Order if its IM, SQ, IV, Oral

Check if the route is safe and appropriate for the client

5. Right Time
Give the medication at the right frequency and time.

Nursing Responsibilities
Always check the order for when it would be given and when was the last time it was given.

Medication given 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time are considered to meet the right time.

6. Right Education
Explain information about the medication of the client. ( why receiving, what to expect, what are the precautions.)

Nursing Responsibilities
Provide enough knowledge to the patient of what drug he/she is taking and what are the expected therapeutic and side effects.

7. Right Documentation
Record the drug administered

Nursing Responsibilities
The record should include the exact time of administration and the signature of the nurse who provided the medication. Documenting before the medication is administered is strictly prohibited.

8. Right to Refuse
Clients have their rights to refuse any medication

Nursing Responsibilities
Assess the reason for refusing medications. If knowledge deficit underlies the reason for refusal, provide appropriate explanation why the medication was ordered, and explain what are the consequences of refusing their medications.

9. Right Assessment
Some of the medications require specific assessment prior to administration.

Nursing Responsibilities
Secure a copy of the clients history to drug interactions and allergies.

10. Right Evaluation

Conduct appropriate follow up (e.g.. was the desired effect achieved or not? Did the client experience any side effects or adverse reaction?.)