Medication Administration Safety — Five Rights Checklist

17 items · Health · Medium difficulty · 15 min

Five-rights checklist to make medication administration safer for patients.

• Verify patient identity

  Confirm two identifiers such as full name and birthdate or ID band.

• Check patient allergy status

  Review chart and ask the patient about drug and food allergies.

• Perform hand hygiene and prepare supplies

  Wash hands or use alcohol rub and gather gloves, syringes, and meds.

• Review the medication order

  Read the full order to confirm intent before preparing meds.

• Confirm medication name and strength

  Match exact drug name and concentration to the order.

• Confirm prescribed dose and frequency

  Verify the numeric dose, units, and how often it should be given.

• Confirm intended route of administration

  Ensure the order specifies oral, IV, IM, topical, or other route.

• Check medication expiry date and packaging integrity

  Do not use expired or damaged products; check seals and vials.

• Check for drug interactions and duplicate therapy

  Use the chart, pharmacy, or interaction tool to screen risks.

• Gather and prepare the correct dose using proper technique

  Measure carefully and use clean, calibrated equipment.

• Use barcode or two-identifier check before administration

  Scan wristband or read two identifiers aloud to match the order.

• Explain medication purpose and side effects to the patient

  Use simple language and ask the patient to repeat key points.

• Administer medication via the prescribed route using correct technique

  Follow recommended steps for the route and site selection.

• Observe and monitor patient for immediate adverse reactions

  Stay with the patient for the recommended observation period and check vitals if needed.

• Document administration details in the patient record

  Record time, dose, route, lot number if applicable, and any reactions.

• Dispose of sharps and packaging safely

  Use approved sharps containers and follow facility disposal policies.

• Report and escalate any errors or adverse events immediately

  Notify the supervisor and complete an incident report without delay.

Printed from TickYouOff — the interactive version tracks your progress and can be shared with others.