What are the 6 rules of drug administration?

When it comes to drug administration, following the established rules is crucial for medication safety and patient well-being. Healthcare professionals are responsible for ensuring that medications are administered correctly and in accordance with these guidelines.

1. Right patient:

The first rule of drug administration is to ensure that the medication is being given to the right patient. This involves verifying the patient’s identity through multiple identifiers, such as name, date of birth, and medical record number.

2. Right medication:

Healthcare professionals must double-check that they are administering the correct medication prescribed for the specific patient. This includes checking the medication label against the prescription and confirming its appropriateness for the individual’s condition.

3. Right dose:

Accurate dosing is crucial to avoid under or overdosing patients. Healthcare professionals must calculate and administer the correct dosage based on factors such as age, weight, and medical history.

4. Right route:

Medications can be administered through various routes, including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes. It is essential to routes of administration for drugs via the appropriate route as indicated by the prescription or healthcare provider’s instructions.

5. Right time:

Timely administration of medications ensures their effectiveness while maintaining a consistent therapeutic level in patients’ bodies. Healthcare professionals should adhere to prescribed schedules and consider any timing requirements for optimal drug absorption or action.

6. Right documentation:

Proper documentation of drug administration is essential for maintaining accurate patient records and ensuring continuity of care. Healthcare professionals should record relevant information such as date, time, dosage administered, route used, any observed reactions or side effects, and their own initials or signature.

By adhering strictly to these six rules of drug administration, healthcare professionals can prioritize patient safety while effectively managing medications in their care setting.