W1:

Question 1

6 rights?

Answer 1

• patient
• drug
• dose
• route
• time
• documentation

Question 2

Right Medication/Right
Drug?

Answer 2

• Check the drug three times – referring to both the order of the
  medication chart and the packaging/bottle
• The ‘three checks’ are designed to ensure the right drug is
  administered every time
• Many drugs have similar names and appearances
  – It is very easy to select the incorrect drug
• Instigating the ‘three checks’ rule ensures you will catch any
  mistakes you may have made

Question 3

What is the first check?

Answer 3

On initial location of medication in patient medication drawer,
drug trolley or medication room

Question 4

What is the second check?

Answer 4

At the time of preparing the medication

Question 5

When is the third check?

Answer 5

Before administering to the patient
(and before putting the medication container away)

Question 6

Right Dose?

Answer 6

• Think carefully and ALWAYS double check if unsure
• Drug calculation formulas are useful but only if you
  understand them

Question 7

Right Time?

Answer 7

It is the nurses’ responsibility in this ‘right’ not only to administer the
medication on time but also to ensure the medication is being given at
the appropriate time.
o Approximately ½-1 hour on either side of prescribed administration time is
considered to be administering medication ‘on time’. Always check with the hospital
policy regarding administration times.

Question 8

Right Route?

Answer 8

• Confirm the drug can be administered via the prescribed
  route
• Become familiar with the different administration
  techniques & best practice

Question 9

Right Patient?

Answer 9

The patient must be identified against the medication chart every time a
medication is administered
o Ask the patient to tell you their name and date of birth
o Confirm the details against the patient identification details on the medication chart
and ID band; also check the medical record number

Question 10

Right Documentation?

Answer 10

It is the nurses’ responsibility in this ‘right’ to ensure that there is
an accurate record of the administration of the drug and if it is not
administered, an accurate record of the reason why.
o A signature on the medication chart
o This signature can only be done AFTER the medication is inside the
patient ie. swallowed the tablet
o If not administered, must document using the correct code in the chart
o Also document in the patients progress notes