North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What are the "5 Rights" of medication administration?

1. Right doctor, right patient, right time, right dose, right drug

2. Right patient, right medication, right route, right dose, right time

3. Right officer, right dosage, right medication, right time, right way

4. Right condition, right time, right method, right patient, right dose

The correct answer is: Right patient, right medication, right route, right dose, right time

The "5 Rights" of medication administration are fundamental principles designed to ensure safe and effective medication delivery to patients. The correct formulation includes: right patient, right medication, right route, right dose, and right time. - Right patient ensures that the medication is given to the correct individual, thereby preventing any risk of administering a drug to someone who may have allergies or other contraindications. - Right medication emphasizes the necessity of delivering the specific medication prescribed or intended for the patient, which protects against medication errors. - Right route specifies that the medication is administered by the appropriate method (such as orally, intravenously, or through an injection), as the effectiveness and absorption of a drug can vary significantly depending on the route of administration. - Right dose refers to providing the exact amount of medication required for the patient. Administering too little could result in ineffective treatment, while too much can lead to toxicity. - Right time pertains to the timing of the medication, ensuring it is given at the correct interval to optimize its effectiveness and maintain therapeutic drug levels in the body. This framework is critical for preventing errors and promoting patient safety during the medication administration process. Each component plays a vital role in achieving successful outcomes and minimizing risks associated with drug therapy.