Question

The nurse is preparing to administer medications to her assigned clients. In order to reduce medication errors, which of the following rights of medication administration should the nurse adhere to? Select all that apply.

Place each client's medication on their bedside table during the beginning of shift rounds

Check the medication against the medication administration record (MAR)

Confirm the client's room number against the medication administration record (MAR)

Maintain a distraction-free environment while administering medication

Prepare injectable medications at the beginning of the shift before the shift becomes busy

Verify the client's full name and date of birth in the medication administration record (MAR)

Ensure the medication is in the right form as ordered by the health care provider (HCP)

Answer 1

To reduce medication errors, nurses should check medications against the MAR, confirm patient identity, maintain a distraction-free environment when administering medications, and ensure medication is in the correct form.

Step-by-step explanation:

To reduce medication errors and ensure patient safety, nurses should adhere to the following rights of medication administration:

• Check the medication against the medication administration record (MAR) before administration.
• Confirm the client's room number and verify the client's full name and date of birth in the MAR to ensure the right patient is receiving the medication.
• Maintain a distraction-free environment while administering medication to focus on the task at hand.
• Ensure the medication is in the right form as ordered by the health care provider (HCP).

Placing each client's medication on their bedside table during the beginning of shift rounds and preparing injectable medications at the beginning of the shift, although they may seem efficient, are not best practices as they increase the risk of medication errors. Instead, medications should be prepared and administered to one patient at a time, adhering to the aforementioned safety measures.