The Rights of Medication Administration

Written by

ChartFlow Publishing

Date published

Sep 10, 2024

There may be 5-7 medication “rights'' depending on how your facility or school breaks up these responsibilities. We’ve included the Six Rights of Medication Administration below based on the most commonly used categories. It’s important to double-check or triple-check all information.

Six rights of medication administration (or 5 rights + documentation)

Always check the six “Rights” of medication administration before giving any substance.

Right Patient - Identify a patient using at least two points of identification. For example, you can confirm both their name and birthdate, or their name and patient record number/PRN if patients are wearing wristbands with a record number.
Right Medication - Do you have the right medication? Read the label to confirm it matches the medication order. Check both the outer box and inner vial if available. If using a patient’s own medication, verify the medication name against the original packaging (not a secondary pill container). Always be on the lookout for commonly confused medications; these medications may have similar names but are entirely different drugs.
Right Dose - Confirm that the dose and amount of pills, liquid, or lotion/cream/paste matches the dose ordered.
Right Route - Verify the route (oral, inhaled, sublingual, etc.) based on the medication order. If you are unsure of a medical abbreviation, verify with a nurse before giving any medication.
Right Time - Check the time the medication should be given based on the order. If a medication is PRN, has the correct amount of time passed before giving another dose?
Right Documentation - Always document every medication given immediately after administration. Do not document it before administration; do not wait until you’ve completed your shift. Remember: If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen!

More of our medication administration tips can be found in our Medication Aide Handbook (also useful for LPNs working in long-term care facilities who primary give oral, topical, and sublingual medications). Read it for free on our website or buy it on Amazon.