The correct answer includes the essential components of medication administration, often encapsulated in the "Five Rights" of medication safety. These rights are critical to ensuring that a resident receives their medication safely and effectively.
The right resident ensures that the medication is given to the correct individual, preventing errors such as medication being administered to the wrong person. The right drug confirms that the exact medication prescribed is being given, which is vital for treating the resident's specific condition. The right dose is crucial to ensure that the resident receives the correct amount of the medication, which is important for efficacy and safety. The right route refers to how the medication should be taken—whether orally, intravenously, etc.—which impacts how the drug works in the body. Finally, the right time ensures that the medication is administered at the scheduled times to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment regimen.
Understanding and applying these rights helps to minimize the risk of medication errors and promotes safe medication practices in the care setting.