What do the 5-Rights of medication administration ensure?

The 5-Rights of medication administration are foundational principles designed to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety. These rights include the right patient, drug, dose, time, and route. By adhering to this structure, healthcare professionals can confirm that they are administering the correct medication to the correct individual, in the proper dosage, at the appropriate time, and via the intended method of administration.

This systematic approach helps maintain a high standard of care and minimizes the risk of adverse effects or complications that could arise from mistakes. For instance, verifying the right patient ensures that the medication is given to the intended recipient and not to another individual within the healthcare facility. Confirming the right drug, dose, time, and route further promotes safe practices that are crucial for effective patient management.

In contrast, the other options focus on elements that, while relevant to medication safety, do not align with the established 5-Rights framework. Concepts such as dosage form or manufacturer, though important in certain contexts, are not included in the core rights that guide medication administration. Thus, the adherence to the 5-Rights significantly enhances the safety and efficacy of medication administration practices.