What are the six rights of medication administration commonly taught to nurses?

• A. Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation
• B. Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right consent
• C. Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right nurse
• D. Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right price

Answer: (A)

The six rights of medication administration are the framework that protects patients by verifying each step before a drug is given: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation. Focusing on these elements helps prevent common errors such as giving the wrong drug to a patient, administering an incorrect dose, using the wrong route, or delivering the dose at the wrong time. Documentation matters because it creates a complete, traceable record of what was administered, when, and by whom, and it notes any omissions or adverse reactions. This record is essential for ongoing care, communication among healthcare providers, and legal accountability. While consent is important in care, it is not one of the six rights of medication administration, and factors like nurse identity or price are not part of this standard practice.