What are the 7 rights of medication administration Quizlet?

Globally, the cost of medication errors is estimated to be $42 billion annually [1.6.5]. A foundational method for preventing these errors is understanding 'What are the 7 rights of medication administration Quizlet?', a critical checklist for healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety.

Quick Summary

This content outlines the seven essential rights of medication administration, a framework designed to prevent errors and enhance patient safety. It details each right and explores expanded versions of this safety check.

Key Points

• 7 Core Rights: The seven rights are Right Patient, Medication, Dose, Time, Route, Reason, and Documentation [1.2.1].

• Patient Identification: Always use at least two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) to confirm you have the right patient [1.3.5].

• Documentation is Critical: Document medication administration immediately after it is given, never before, to prevent errors [1.8.1].

• Expanded Rights: Many frameworks now include additional rights like the Right to Refuse, Right Education, and Right Response for enhanced safety [1.3.2].

• Technology Reduces Errors: Tools like Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) can reduce administration errors by over 40% [1.7.1].

• High Cost of Errors: Medication errors harm at least 1.5 million people in the U.S. annually and have a global economic impact of around $42 billion per year [1.5.5, 1.6.5].

• Reason for Medication: Verifying the 'Right Reason' ensures the medication is appropriate for the patient's diagnosis and history [1.3.5].

The Core of Patient Safety: Understanding the Rights of Medication Administration

In the United States, medication errors harm at least 1.5 million people every year [1.5.5]. These preventable incidents can lead to severe adverse reactions, prolonged hospital stays, and in the worst cases, death [1.6.1]. To combat this, healthcare systems have established standardized safety checks. The 'five rights' of medication administration have long been the foundation, but this has been expanded to a more comprehensive list of seven or more to enhance patient safety [1.3.4]. These rights serve as a universal checklist for nurses and other healthcare providers to follow before, during, and after administering any medication [1.2.3]. Adherence to these principles is not just a matter of policy but a critical responsibility to protect patient well-being [1.2.3].

The 7 Rights of Medication Administration

Originally conceived as five rights, the framework was expanded to provide a more thorough approach to safety. The seven rights are widely taught and practiced to minimize the chance of error [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

1. Right Patient: The first and most critical step is to ensure the medication is given to the correct individual [1.4.2]. This is verified by using at least two patient identifiers, such as the patient's full name and date of birth [1.3.5]. In a hospital setting, this also involves checking the patient's wristband against the Medication Administration Record (MAR) [1.8.3]. For non-verbal patients, a photo ID on the MAR can be used [1.4.2].

2. Right Medication: Healthcare providers must verify they have the correct medication [1.2.1]. This involves checking the medication label against the MAR three times: before removing it from storage, as it's being prepared, and at the patient's bedside before administration. It is also important to be aware of look-alike, sound-alike drug names, like Celebrex and Celexa, to prevent mix-ups [1.3.4].

3. Right Dose: Administering the correct dosage is crucial [1.3.5]. The provider must check the order, confirm that the dose is appropriate for the patient's condition and weight, and perform a calculation if necessary [1.3.5]. For certain high-risk medications, a second nurse should independently double-check the calculation [1.3.5].

4. Right Route: Medications must be given via the intended route, as this affects absorption and efficacy [1.4.5]. Common routes include oral (by mouth), intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (Sub-Q), and topical (on the skin) [1.3.5]. The order must be checked to confirm the route, and the provider must ensure the patient can receive the medication that way (e.g., if the patient can swallow a pill) [1.3.5].

5. Right Time: Adherence to the prescribed schedule is essential for maintaining therapeutic drug levels in the body [1.4.2]. Most facilities have a window of 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time to administer the medication [1.2.5]. The provider must confirm the frequency and the time of the last dose administered [1.3.5].

6. Right Documentation: This right is famously summarized as, "If it wasn't documented, it wasn't done" [1.8.2]. Documentation must be done immediately after the medication is administered, never before [1.8.1, 1.8.5]. The record should include the medication name, dose, route, time, and the administrator's signature or initials [1.8.3]. For as-needed (PRN) medications, the reason for administration and the patient's response must also be documented [1.8.3].

7. Right Reason: The healthcare professional should understand why the patient is receiving the medication [1.2.1]. This involves knowing the patient's history and diagnosis to confirm the drug is appropriate [1.3.5]. This check can help catch errors, such as a medication being prescribed that is not appropriate for the patient's condition.

Expanding the Rights for Greater Safety

To further reduce the risk of medication errors, many organizations have adopted additional rights, expanding the list to nine, ten, or even more. These often include:

• Right to Refuse: Competent adult patients have the legal and ethical right to refuse any medical treatment, including medication, after being informed of the risks and benefits of their decision [1.3.2, 1.9.3].
• Right Response: This involves monitoring the patient after administration to ensure the medication is having the desired effect and that no adverse reactions are occurring [1.3.2, 1.3.5].
• Right Education: Patients should be educated about their medications, including what the drug is for, how to take it, and potential side effects to watch for [1.3.1, 1.10.5]. This empowers patients to be active participants in their own care.

The Role of Technology in Medication Safety

Modern technology plays a significant role in reinforcing the rights of medication administration. Systems like electronic Medication Administration Records (eMAR) and Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) have been shown to drastically reduce errors.

Technology	How It Supports the 7 Rights	Impact on Safety
Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA)	Uses barcode scanning to verify the Right Patient (wristband), Right Medication, and Right Dose at the bedside [1.7.5]. It links directly to the eMAR.	One study showed a 41.4% relative reduction in non-timing administration errors and completely eliminated transcription errors [1.7.1].
Electronic Health Records (EHR) & eMAR	Provides clear documentation, alerts for overdue medications, and flags potential drug interactions or allergies [1.7.3]. Supports Right Documentation and Right Time.	eMAR implementation can decrease medication errors by up to 80% in some long-term care settings [1.7.3].
Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs)	Securely stores medications and tracks inventory, reducing the risk of selecting the wrong drug or dose [1.7.3].	ADCs can reduce medication dispensing time and decrease errors [1.7.3].

Conclusion

The seven rights of medication administration form a fundamental, evidence-based framework that is critical for patient safety. While human error can never be completely eliminated, strict adherence to these principles—Right Patient, Medication, Dose, Route, Time, Documentation, and Reason—significantly mitigates the risk. The integration of modern technologies like BCMA and the recognition of additional rights, such as the Right to Refuse and Right Education, further strengthen this safety net. Ultimately, these guidelines are not just a procedural checklist but a shared responsibility among healthcare organizations and providers to prevent harm and ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient.

For more information on safe medication practices, an authoritative resource is the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the original 5 rights of medication administration?

The original five rights are Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, and Right Time. The framework was later expanded to include more checks for increased safety [1.3.4].

What is the most important right of medication administration?

While all rights are critical for safety, ensuring you have the 'Right Patient' is often considered the first and one of the most crucial steps to prevent a medication error [1.4.2].

How do you ensure you have the 'Right Patient'?

To ensure you have the right patient, you must use at least two patient identifiers, such as asking the patient to state their full name and date of birth, and comparing that information to their ID wristband and the Medication Administration Record (MAR) [1.3.5].

What does the 'Right to Refuse' medication mean?

A competent adult patient has the legal right to decline any medical treatment, including medications, even if the refusal could lead to poor health outcomes. The healthcare provider must respect this decision after ensuring the patient is fully informed [1.9.3].

Why is 'Right Documentation' so important?

Accurate and timely documentation provides a legal record of care, ensures continuity of care, and prevents errors like double-dosing or missed doses. It should be done immediately after administration [1.8.1, 1.8.2].

What is the '3-check' system for the 'Right Medication'?

The '3-check' system involves verifying the right medication three times: 1) When retrieving the medication from its storage location, 2) Before preparing or drawing up the medication, and 3) At the patient's bedside just before administration.

How does technology like barcode scanning help prevent medication errors?

Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) systems require a nurse to scan the patient's wristband and the medication's barcode. The system then verifies that the patient, drug, dose, and route match the electronic order, which helps prevent many common errors [1.7.1, 1.7.5].